Assistant Commissioner of Rating & Valuation Mimi Brown says it is difficult to predict whether there will be a huge rise in next year's rateable values because the valuation process is still underway.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mrs Brown said the newly declared Valuation List & Government Rent Roll for 2006-07 will be available for inspection from March.

Noting assessments will be made on an individual basis, she said a number of factors will be considered, including property rents and locations.

Mrs Brown said the 2005-06 rateable values were reviewed by reference to rental values in the open market as at the designated valuation reference date of October last year.

Rises were seen in the 2005-06 rateable values of offices and certain shops, she said, adding the rateable values of residential properties remained stable.