This insight builds on recent commentary provided by Ryden to Press & Journal.
Rising business rates could push many Aberdeen firms to breaking point, according to commercial property consultant Ryden, following the release of new non-domestic valuation figures showing widespread increases across the city.
The latest Rates Revaluation 2026 of business properties in Scotland, which takes place every three years, assigns each property a new rateable value based on the rent it could have achieved at a fixed valuation date.
Draft figures released indicate significant increases across much of Aberdeen, at a time when many occupiers in North East Scotland are already struggling with inflation and reduced demand
Ryden’s Partner and lead of the firm's Business Rates team, Lorna Greig, commented how the results mark a clear shift from the last revaluation in 2017.
“Unlike 2017, there have pretty much been increases across the board, with only a few exceptions,” she explained.
“Some traditional West End offices have stayed static or reduced, and some Union Street retail has also remained steady or fallen. But we’ve seen notable increases at Union Square and, interestingly, at the Trinity Centre.”
Additionally, industrial properties have seen the sharpest overall increases, with some overly harsh adjustments In contrast, peripheral offices in industrial estates have mostly fallen in value, while prime Grade A offices have typically risen.
“In the context of current cost pressures, including utilities, staffing and changing occupier demand, even static rateable values make it increasingly difficult for businesses to trade,” she said.
Lorna also noted how self-catering accommodation providers across Scotland appear to be among the hardest hit sectors in the new revaluation.
What businesses should be doing now
Draft valuations can still be appealed until March and early action will be critical for occupiers seeking to manage their exposure.
Ryden’s specialist Business Rates team is already advising a wide range of clients across industrial, office, retail and hospitality sectors. If you’d like to discuss how this could affect your property decisions, our team would be happy to talk.
