Valuation of domestic properties for rates

How domestic properties are valued

A property is considered to be domestic if it is residential which means a place where someone can live.

To assess a domestic property valuation for rates, LPS bases the property's capital value on 1 January 2005 prices and an understanding that all properties had an average state of internal repair and fittings, such as a standard kitchen and bathroom.

If your property was built after 2005, LPS assessed the capital value by comparing your property with similar properties already built and valued on 1 January 2005. 

Your property valuation is based on:

• the size of the property (the external area of a house and the internal area for an apartment)
• the type of property, such as detached, semi, terrace or apartment
• the location of the property
• if the property has a garage or other domestic outbuildings

Non-domestic properties

A property is considered to be non-domestic if it is non-residential and is used for commercial purposes such as offices, factories and shops.  More information on the valuation of non-domestic properties is available on the nibusinessinfo website.

Mixed use properties

If part of a building is used for business purposes and part for residential, the part used for business purposes counts as non-domestic premises. So, if you live and work in the same premises, you will pay business rates on the part of the property used for business and domestic rates on the residential part.

You will receive a single rate bill covering the domestic and non-domestic portions.

Find a property valuation

You can find all property valuations online. You can search by post code or via the map, or using the advanced search option. Once you find the property valuation you can:

• check the property valuation details
• check other local properties in the post code area
• see the annual rate calculation for the property
• apply for a valuation review for the property
• apply for a valuation-related relief or allowance

Find a current property valuation

You can also check a previous property valuation (1 April 2003 to 31 March 2007) for your property.

Check a historic property valuation

Apply for a domestic valuation review

You can apply to have the valuation of an individual property reviewed because you believe the valuation is incorrect or because there has been a change that might affect the value of the property or because you want to apply for a valuation related relief or allowance. To avoid debt recovery action, you should continue paying rates while LPS processes your application for review

You can apply by post, email or online. 

You can find out more about applying to have the valuation of a property reviewed:

• How to apply for a domestic valuation review

Apply for a new domestic property valuation

LPS must value a new property before they can issue a rate bill.

If your property is newly built and has not yet been valued then you can apply by email, post or online for a new property valuation.

You can find out more about applying for a new domestic property valuation.

• How to apply for a new domestic property valuation

Apply for a valuation-related relief or allowance

There are two rate reliefs or allowances available which are related to the valuation of a property. Read the information carefully before making an application for either of the following allowances.

Rates on farmhouses

Farmhouses are valued as domestic properties. There is a 20 per cent discount in rates, if the farmhouse:

• is connected with agricultural land

and

• is lived in by a person whose main job is farming that land

The application process is in two stages. The first stage is you need to make the application and the second stage is you must fill in a questionnaire.

Stage 1: Find a property valuation and apply for a domestic valuation review

When applying online select the following option: I want to apply for a discount as the property is occupied by a full time farmer entitled to an agricultural allowance.

Or you can also apply by post or email for a domestic valuation review.

Stage 2: Complete questionnaire

You will receive a confirmation email which contains a link to a questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed and returned within two weeks of the date on which you submitted your application for a valuation review.

If you submitted your application via post and did not provide an email address then you will receive the questionnaire by post.

To complete the questionnaire you will need:

• your DAERA Business ID and category of farming business
• information about the acres or hectares of land around your house
• a copy of the farm map
• information about any land that you let out
• information about any other occupation and your income from farming and any other employment

Rates on houses lived in by clergy and religious ministers

Houses lived in by members of the clergy and ministers of religion are valued as domestic properties. There is a 50 per cent discount in rates, if:

• the person living in the property is a minister or a member of the clergy

and

• their post is held on a full time basis on behalf of a religious organisation

The application process is in two stages.

Stage 1: Find a property valuation and apply for a domestic valuation review

When applying online select the following option: I want to apply for a discount as the property is occupied by a member of the clergy who is employed in parish work

Or you can also apply by post or email for a domestic valuation review

Stage 2: Complete questionnaire

You will receive a confirmation email contains a link to a questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed and returned within two weeks of the date on which you submitted your application for a valuation review.

If you submitted your application via post and did not provide an email address then you will receive the questionnaire by post.

To complete the questionnaire you will need:

• details of the property
• details of ownership and occupation
• details of duties undertaken

Other rate reliefs or allowances

Here is useful information on other rate reliefs and allowances available that are not related to the value of your property.  

• Help paying your rates (domestic properties only)
• Rating of empty homes
• Help available for business rates (non-domestic properties only)

Appealing your property valuation

When LPS values your property for the first time or following a valuation review you will receive a Certificate of Valuation showing the capital valuation. If you think the valuation is incorrect, you can appeal this to the Commissioner of Valuation within 28 days using a valuation appeal form.

You can also ask Land & Property Services (LPS) for an appeal form.

• telephone: 0300 200 7801 (charged at local rate)
• text relay: 18001 0300 200 7801
• Land & Property Services - Valuation regional offices

If you aren't satisfied with the Commissioner's decision, you can appeal to the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal

More useful links

• Property and housing online
• Buying a newly built home
• Contacting 08 and 03 telephone numbers
• How business rates valuations are calculated 
• Making a planning decision