Understanding your rates | Hamilton City Council

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 2023/24 average rates increase of 4.9% affect me?

The rates increase of 4.9% was set in our 2021-31 Long-Term plan.

Rates for most properties will have increased by close to 4.9%.

Your rates may have changed by more than the 4.9% average 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?

Find out the rates you’ll pay by searching our property search database

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: