VOA property categories

The VOA files every rated property under a Special Category code — an SCat code — and then rolls those 427 codes up into four sectors and eighteen sub-sectors for reporting. Those are the groups our monthly market data uses. Find your code below to see which group your property is reported in.

Your SCat code does not set your rateable value. It is a filing label used for statistics and for grouping properties. Your value comes from the valuation scheme applied to your property’s own measurements at the 1 April 2024 valuation date.

Where the numbers come from. The codes, descriptions and groupings are the VOA’s own, from its published Stock of Properties data. The property counts are our coverage of the 2026 rating list — 1,882,556 properties — not the VOA’s published totals. Classes valued on the contractor’s basis, and most public-sector classes, are thinly covered or absent.

427 codes

Retail25 codes · 482,653 properties

Shops476,099

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
008Airport Let Outs178
011Amusement Arcades637
024Betting Offices3,420
086Departmental and Walk Round Stores (Large)1
097Factory Shops2,002
098Farm Shops1,738
106Convenience Store7,728
139Hypermarkets/Superstores (over 2500m2)2,080
152Large Food Stores (750 - 2500m2)2,874
154Large Shops (750 - 1850m2)397
155Large Shops (Over 1850m2)1,955
165Markets (Other Than Livestock)
210Pharmacies1,374
235Retail Warehouses and Foodstores8,831
243Sales Kiosks5,011
249Shops394,377
251Showrooms11,131
417Hairdressing/Beauty Salons21,120
425Pharmacies Within/Adjacent to Surgery/Health Centre1,766
429Post Offices1,679
442Takeaway Food Outlet (Predominantly Off Premises)5,006
504Kiosks and Pods Within/Part of Specialist Property, Retail Parks & Other Major Retail/Sporting Destinations916
507Salons/Clinics Within/Part of Specialist Property87
508Shops Within/Part of Specialist Property1,791

Financial & Professional6,554

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
021Banks/Insurance/Building Society Offices & Other A2 Uses6,554

Industry106 codes · 529,405 properties

General Industrial396,602

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
096Factories, Workshops and Warehouses (Incl Bakeries & Dairies)364,902
105Food Processing Centres198
110Foundries43
129High Tech Warehouses1
153Large Industrials (Over 20,000m2)826
192Motor Vehicle Works6
198Newspaper Printing Works (National Scheme)16
207Paper Mills26
289Vehicle Repair Workshops & Garages16,961
408Business Units11,574
512Workshops Within/Part of Specialist Property276
733Battery Store
738Builders Merchant1,773

Storage & Distribution121,752

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
034Bullion/Money Stores (National Scheme)
148Land Used For Storage26,647
151Distribution Warehouses2,695
217Post Office Sorting Centres480
267Storage Depots1,495
268Stores88,936
301Wholesale Warehouses274
422Pack Houses19
510Stores Within/Part of Specialist Property137
511Warehouses Within/Part of Specialist Property161
721Self-Storage Facility908

Industry - Other11,051

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
007Aircraft Works With Airfields3
009Aluminium Smelting Works
016Artificial Fibre Works
017Asphalt Plants
023Beet Sugar Factories
027Boat Yards298
031Breweries (National Scheme)226
032Brickworks (Traditional), Clay Tile/Pipe Works
033Bulk Cement Storage Depots
037Cable Head End Buildings
050Cattle Breeding Centres1
051Cement Tile Works
052Cement Works
055Chemical Works19
063Coking and Carbonising Plants
068Computer Centres (Non-Purpose Built)95
069Computer Centres (Purpose Built)251
071Concrete Batching Plants
072Concrete Block Works1
073Concrete Product Works2
079Creameries28
087Distilleries26
093Mine Water Treatment Plant and Premises
095Exhaust and Tyre Centres2,145
103Flour Mills (National Scheme)7
113Garages (Transport and Commercial)6,104
127Heredits Used For Primary Treatment/Processing Of Minerals
142Iron and/or Steel Works7
158Livestock Markets (National Scheme)
162Maltings - Non Trad
163Maltings - Trad4
166Mineral Depot and Premises
167Mineral Producing Hereditament - Blockstone
168Mineral Producing Hereditament - Brine
169Mineral Producing Hereditament - Chalk
170Mineral Producing Hereditament - China Clay
171Mineral Producing Hereditament - Clay
172Mineral Producing Hereditament - Coal
173Mineral Producing Hereditament - Fluorspar
174Mineral Producing Hereditament - Gas
175Mineral Producing Hereditament - Hardrock
176Mineral Producing Hereditament - Inert
177Mineral Producing Hereditament - Oil
178Mineral Producing Hereditament - Other Mineral Category
179Mineral Producing Hereditament - Putrescible
180Mineral Producing Hereditament - Sand and Gravel
181Mineral Producing Hereditament - Sand
183Mineral Producing Hereditament - Slate
187MOD Hereditaments
200Nuclear Establishments
205Oil Refineries
212Pipelines
218Potteries43
221Secondary Aggregate Processing Plant and Premises
222Provender Mills (National Scheme)6
233Refuse Destructor Plants/Disposal Sites1
244Scrap Metal/Breakers Yard872
245Sea Dredged Aggregate Processing Plants & Depots
247Ship Building Yards1
248Ship Repair Yards19
255Spoil Heap Workings
274Tanneries5
290Vehicle Testing Centres (With Test Tracks)4
291Vehicle Testing Centres (Without Test Tracks)45
295Wafer Fabrications (National Scheme)2
297Waste Incinerator Plants4
299Waste Transfer Stations2
401Abattoirs & Slaughter Houses (Rental Valuation)155
402Agricultural Research Centres
406Bus Garages (Contractors Valuation)
407Bus Garages (Rental Valuation)138
423Peat Fields
430Pumping Mines
433Statutory Docks and Harbours (Formula) / Occupation within a Statutory Port Undertaking
434Statutory Docks and Harbours (Non-Formula, Prescribed)
435Statutory Docks and Harbours (Other)
441Weighbridges21
502Garages Within/Part of Specialist Property28
712Rail Freight Depots2
714Rail Maintenance Depots1
728Bagging Plant & Premises
994Unmapped — not in VOA Appendix 2 (likely an administrative/composite code); needs confirming485

Offices3 codes · 409,387 properties

Offices409,387

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
203Offices (Inc Computer Centres)323,339
204Offices (Headquarters/Institutional)585
723Serviced Offices85,463

Other251 codes · 461,111 properties

Assembly & Leisure168,851

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
004Agricultural Showgrounds (National Scheme)
012Amusement Parks
014Arenas2
022Beach Huts19,450
025Bingo Halls (National Scheme)
026Bird Sanctuaries5
028Bowling Alleys237
029Bowling Centres (Indoor)
030Bowling Greens (Outdoor)1,756
047Chain-Operated and Large Caravan Parks (Leisure) (National Scheme)
048Caravan Sites and Pitches (National Scheme)
049Casinos and Gambling Clubs112
054Tenting and Touring Sites, Certified Locations and Small Static Caravan Sites (CVT)
056Cinemas (National Scheme)601
060Clubhouses2,801
061Licensed Sports, Social & Private Members Clubs8,438
070Concert Halls (National Scheme)
074Conference & Exhibition Centres23
075Wedding & Function Venues
081Cricket Centres9
082Cricket Grounds (County)
083Cricket Grounds/Pitches (Non-County)1,760
084Dance Schools & Centres933
091Drive-In Restaurants842
092Drive-Thru Restaurants2,169
104Food Courts26
107Football Grounds1,012
108Football Pitches293
109Football Stadia1
116Go Kart Rinks37
117Golf Courses1,646
118Golf Driving Ranges9
121Greyhound Racetracks
125Health Farms
128Heritage Railways
132Horse Racecourses
140Ice Rinks
145Lakes With Water Sport Facilities
164Marinas (National Scheme)
188Model Villages
191Motor Racetracks
195Museums and Art Galleries (Contractors)3
196Museums and Art Galleries (Non-Contractors)22
199Night Clubs & Discotheques1,081
208Pavilions807
213Pleasure Piers
214Point to Point and Eventing Courses
216Polo Grounds55
225Venue Hire and Function Suite311
226Public Houses/Pub Restaurants (National Scheme)35,820
227Public Houses/Pub Restaurants (Inc. Lodge) (National Scheme)394
229Racing Stables (National Scheme)582
234Restaurants29,006
236Riding Schools & Livery Stables (National Scheme)4,975
237Rifle and Weapons Ranges547
238Roadside Restaurants (National Scheme)207
239Roller Skating Rinks
240Royal Palaces
241Professional Rugby Clubs1
242Amateur Rugby Clubs450
252Ski Centres
253Snooker Halls/Clubs551
254Speedway Racetracks
256Sporting Rights
257Sports & Leisure Centres (LA) (Dry Only) (National Scheme)25
258Sports & Leisure Centres (LA) (Wet & Dry) (National Scheme)1
259Sports & Leisure Centres (Private) (Dry Only)1,232
260Sports & Leisure Centres (Private) (Wet & Dry)563
261Sports Grounds3,621
262Sports Stadia
263Squash Courts126
264Stables and Loose Boxes5,308
265Stately Homes & Historic Houses (National Scheme)
272Swimming Pools (Local Authority)
273Swimming Pools (Private)
277Tennis and Padel Centres38
278Tennis Courts/Clubs1,336
279Theatres (National Scheme)
280Theme Parks
283Totalisators On Horse Racecourses
284Tourist Attractions/Dark Rides
293Village Halls, Scout Huts, Cadet Huts Etc16,360
296War Games Courses/Misc. Ag. Use14
303Wine Bars (Valued on Floor Space)
304Zoos & Safari Parks
364Dog Walking and Agility Centres8
403Aquaria1
405Boathouses392
409Cafes16,051
410Changing Rooms276
416Gymnasia/Fitness Suites4,736
421Miniature Railways
426Pitch and Putt/Putting Greens
431Religious Retreats/Study Centres (Residential)24
500Cafes/Restaurants Within/Part of Specialist Property701
503Gymnasia/Fitness Suites Within/Part of Specialist Property (Dry Only)7
509Sports & Leisure Centres Within/Part of Specialist Property5
715Football Training Grounds5
739Soccer Centres3
760Food Court Kiosks79
993Unmapped — not in VOA Appendix 2 (likely an administrative/composite code); needs confirming965

Other - Other128,767

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
001AA/RAC Service Centres and Boxes1
003Advertising Right33,786
010Ambulance Stations66
013Animal Boarding253
015Army Hereditaments
039Car Parks (Multi-Storey)1,263
040Car Parks (Surfaced Open)12,660
041Car Parks (Unsurfaced Open)1,020
043Car Spaces63,432
053Cemeteries (National Scheme)2
058Civic Amenity Sites1
076Contractors Huts & Compounds1,107
080Crematoria (With & Without Cemeteries) (National Scheme)15
100Film and TV Studios76
101Fire Stations1
102Fish Farms
111Funeral Parlours/Chapels Of Rest1,603
112Game Farms
123Traveller Sites
124Hatcheries/Poultry Farms7
141Interactive Telephone Kiosks13
143Kennels and Catteries3,657
144Laboratories1,079
146Land Used For Advertising595
147Land Used For Car Boot Sales
150Land used for Waste Composting2
189Moorings (Floating Hereditaments)1,501
190Mortuaries24
197Navy Hereditaments
202Observatories1
224Public Conveniences (National Scheme)
228Public Telephone Kiosks (National Scheme)473
230RAF Hereditaments
232Recording Studios386
269Stud Farms661
270Studios1,354
285Training Centre (Non Residential)543
292Veterinary Clinics / Animal Clinics1,754
294Vineyards/Wineries40
298Waste Recycling Plants8
302Windmills
420Lifeboat Stations4
424Pet Grooming Parlours637
428Police Training Colleges2
438Telescope Sites119
439University - Ancillary Land or Buildings15
501Car Parking Within/Part of Specialist Property129
513Miscellaneous Within/Part of Specialist Property
718Electric Charge Stations1
725Park & Ride Car Parks4
726Telecommunications Large Broadcast Sites
759TV Studios23
992Unmapped — not in VOA Appendix 2 (likely an administrative/composite code); needs confirming424
998Unmapped — not in VOA Appendix 2 (likely an administrative/composite code); needs confirming25

Hotels & Self Catering93,363

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
062Coaching Inns
077Country House Hotels124
099Field Study, Activity and Adventure Centres66
122Guest & Boarding Houses6,088
130Holiday Centres
131Holiday Homes (Self Catering)78,366
136Hostels1,127
137Hotels (3 Star And Under)3,028
138Hotels (4 Star & Above) & Major Chain Operated3,837
160Lodges (National Scheme)
281Timeshare Complexes (National Scheme)
722Serviced Apartments727

Other Retail Formats29,285

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
018ATMs429
019Auction Rooms120
038Car Auction Buildings/Sites56
042Car Showrooms4,952
044Car Supermarkets64
045Car Washes (Stand Alone)3,016
046Car/Caravan Sales/Display/Hiring Sites3,572
114Garden Centres2,169
133Hospital Let Outs350
193Motorway Service Area Let Outs157
194Motorway and Major Road Service Areas
209Petrol Filling Stations (National Scheme)5,063
211Photographic Booths
250Showhouses (National Scheme)
266Station Let Outs940
419Land Used for Display293
427Pitches for Stalls, Sales or Promotions7,607
432Sales Offices190
710Residual Mall305
757Plant Nurseries2

Health14,799

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
134Hospitals & Clinics NHS (National Scheme)3
135Hospitals & Clinics (Private) (National Scheme)12
436Surgeries, Clinics, Health Centres (Contractors Valuation)35
437Surgeries, Clinics, Health Centres (Rental Valuation)14,749

Education12,957

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
065Colleges of Further Education (National Scheme)148
085Day Nurseries/Play Schools11,619
159Local Authority Schools (National Scheme)11
206Oxbridge Colleges
223Public and Independent Schools (National Scheme)921
288Universities (Excluding Oxbridge) (National Scheme)40
440University Occupation Within Hospitals
505Nurseries/Creches Within/Part of Specialist Property62
995Unmapped — not in VOA Appendix 2 (likely an administrative/composite code); needs confirming156

Non Residential Institutions11,033

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
067Community Day Centres9,787
156Libraries214
758Children's Centre1,032

Other - Offices1,040

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
057Civic and Public Buildings (Local Authority Occupations)522
215Police Stations
411Coastguard Stations26
414Courts (Contractors Valuation)
415Courts (Rental Valuation)37
418Information/Visitor Centres116
506Offices Within/Part of Specialist Property339

Transport667

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
005Air Ports (Minor) (National Scheme)
006Air Strips (National Scheme)12
036Bus Stations2
059Civil Airports
089Docks and Harbours (Non-Statutory)
126Heliports23
161Lorry Parks628
231Railways & Tramways (Non Leisure)
282Tolls (Ferries, Roads And Bridges)
287Truck Stops
737Ferry Terminal2

Other - Storage & Distribution346

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
119Grain Silos20
120Granaries and Intervention Stores38
157Liquid Bulk Storage (Incl Petrol & Oil) (National Scheme)29
404Archives1
413Cold Stores (Rental Valuation)258

Utilities3

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
066Communication Stations (National Scheme)2
088District Heating Undertakings & Networks
090Domestic Fuel Installations
094Electricity Undertakings (Non-Statutory)
115Gas Processing Plants1
149Landfill Gas Generator Sites
246Sewage Works (National Scheme)
275Telecommunications Cable Networks (National Scheme)
276Telecommunications Switching Centres
300Water Undertakings (Non-Statutory)
727Waste Anaerobic Digestion Plants
729Renewable Generators - Mixed Technologies
730Biomass Biological (Crop & Slurry Based Anaerobic Digestors, Incl Gas to Grid)
731Biomass Thermal (Incl Combustion, Gasification and Pyrolysis)
741Independent Gas Transport (IGT)
742Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNO)
743Renewable Power Generators - Photovoltaic
744Renewable Power Generators - Wind
745Renewable Power Generators - Other
746Renewable Power Generators - Hydro
747Fossil Fuel Power Stations
748Nuclear Power Stations

Residential Institutions0

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
201Nursing Homes (Inc. Old Peoples Homes)
220Prison Service Hereditaments
286Training Centre (Residential)

Not in the VOA grouping file42 codes · 0 properties

0

SCatWhat the VOA calls itProperties we hold
020Baling Plants
035Bus Garages
064Cold Stores
182Mineral Producing Hereditament - Shale Unburnt
184Mineral Producing Hereditament With Batching Plant
185Mineral Producing Hereditament With Coating Plant
186Mineral Producing Hereditament With Tunnel Kiln
219Power Generators
271Surgeries, Clinics, Health Centre (incl Dentists etc)
400Abattoirs & Slaughter Houses (Contractors Valuation)
412Cold Stores (Contractors Valuation)
700Sponsored Roundabout Advertising Displays
701Restaurant With Letting Accommodation
702Driving Standards Agency Centre
703Residual Shopping Mall
704Land Used For Seasonal Markets & Events
705Market Stall (Not Pitch)
706Advertising Displays On Pavements & Bus Shelters
707Advertising Displays At Superstores
708Advertising Displays From Phone Booths
709Dark Retailing/Internet Sites
711Advertising Displays From Agricultural Land
713Bicycle Folding Box Site
716Cafe/Restaurants Within/Part of Non Specialist Properties
717Delivery Box Site & Premises
719Car Washes (Stand Alone - Hand Car Wash)
720LPG Service Station
724Street Points (e.g. Cycle Docking Stations)
732Click & Collect Locker Site
734Wedding and Function Venue
735Historic Property (National Trust/English Heritage)
736Holiday Home Self Catering (Complexes)
740Secure Children's Homes
749Underground Gas Storage Facility
750NHS Clinics & Health Centres (Contractors)
751NHS Clinics & Health Centres (Rentals)
752Surgeries (Other Than GP/NHS) (Contractors)
753Surgeries (Other Than GP/NHS) (Rentals)
754GP Surgeries (Contractors)
755GP Surgeries (Rentals)
756Equestrian Hospitals
761Telecommunications Access Networks

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