What are rates and how are they set?
Rates are an annual charge against a property set by Council in July of each year. Rates help us to fund the services we provide.
Rates are based on:
- the use of the property (e.g. residential/commercial)
- the rating valuation of the property
- the number of Separately Used or Inhabited Parts (SUIPs) of the property
- the availability of services to the property (e.g. water, wastewater, refuse collection)
- the location of the property if it is commercial (i.e. in the CBD or outside the CBD)
Council operates different rating categories. Different rates apply to the different categories:
- residential
- commercial (outside the CBD)
- BID commercial (in the CBD)
- other
- service use (church/educational/community)
- sporting/cultural.
How does the 2022/23 average rates increase of 4.9% affect me?
The rates increase of 4.9% was set in our 2021-31 Long-Term plan.
We use the property values from the 2021 city-wide revaluation.
If your property value increased by more than the city average, then your rates will also increase by more than the average. If your value increase was less, then your rates increase will also be less.
- A residential property with a Capital Value increase of about 57% should see a rates increase of about 4.9%.
- A commercial/industrial property with a Capital Value increase of about 40% should see a rates increase of about 4.9%.
Besides the city-wide revaluation, there are some other reasons your rates may have changed more than the 4.9% average. This includes if the use of your property has changed, or you've recently completed some building works.
Where do my rates go?
Your rates support a number of services essential to keep Hamiltonians healthy, safe and happy, such as:
- water management
- rubbish and recycling
- burials and cemeteries
- city planning and safety
- transport
- democracy
- parks and recreation
- arts and community groups.
A visual breakdown of what your rates fund is included in your rates invoice.
What do rates cost?
How and when to pay?
Rates are invoiced in four instalments for the financial year that begins 1 July and ends 30 June the following year.
You can chose to receive your rates invoice by email and you can pay your rates by direct debit, credit card, internet banking or in person.
Pay in quarterly instalments by the due dates below, or annually in full. Paying by direct debit also allows you to pay in weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments. The full amount is detailed on the invoice to 30 June and will include any outstanding rates and penalties.
Pay your rates by the due date to avoid penalties. Your invoice will be posted or emailed around four to five weeks before they’re due.
Upcoming rates due dates:
- 2022/23 Instalment 1 1 September 2022
- 2022/23 Instalment 2 24 November 2022
- 2022/23 Instalment 3 23 February 2023
- 2022/23 Instalment 4 25 May 2023.
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Last updated 9 June 2022