RICS recommends lifting of Material Valuation Uncertainty clauses

9 September 2020

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The Material Valuation Uncertainty Leaders Forum set up by the RICS have today issued an update recommending a general “lifting” of Material Valuation Uncertainty clauses for “all UK real estate, excluding some assets valued with reference to trading potential”.

A Material Valuation Uncertainty declaration is applicable when there are sharp and unpredicted shocks to a market leading to a temporary suspension of market activity. The RICS recommended their use on 17th March 2020 and they were only expected to be applicable for a relatively short term.

For properties where there is little transactional comparable evidence, other indicators should be considered.

As I have noted in previous updates on this subject, it is still down to the valuer to consider each property individually and for some properties the valuer might still believe it is appropriate to include a Material Valuation Uncertainty clause.

Cooke & Arkwright have been providing rating valuation advice to The Welsh Rugby Union Limited (“WRU”) and Millennium Stadium plc for many years. They were recently successful in achieving substantial reductions in the assessments of the Millennium Stadium, covering both the 2005 and 2010 rating list. These negotiated reductions yielded savings of c.£3.5m which, crucially, allows the WRU to re-invest in rugby throughout Wales. They advise the WRU across the group portfolio including the National Centre of Excellence in the Vale of Glamorgan. The valuation issues across the WRU portfolio are complex requiring a high level of understanding of the funding and finances of professional sport in Wales. Cooke & Arkwright’s experience and understanding of these issues and application to the rating valuation have yielded these substantial negotiated reductions. The WRU and the Millennium Stadium entrust our work to organisations with the required levels in experience and expertise in dealing with these complex issues. I am glad to say we have this expertise in Wales. I would have no hesitation in recommending ratepayers making use of this Welsh based expertise.

The Welsh Rugby Union Limited, Welsh Rugby Union Group