Buying guide

Council rates explained: a home owner’s guide

(Including average rates by city)

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 3 February 2025 | 4 min read
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Council rates are a tax on property owners that fund local services like waste collection, water, and parks. Your bill is based on your property's Capital Value (CV), also known as a Ratings Valuation (RV), which is updated every three years.

Some owners may also pay targeted rates for specific local services. A rates rebate is available for eligible low-income homeowners, who must apply annually. Payment is flexible, with most councils offering annual, quarterly, or monthly options.

What are council rates?

How are city council rates calculated?

Homeowners pays rates based on their location and the value of their property.

Your ratings valuation is based on three things:

What about targeted rates?

What is a rates rebate?

Paying rates is easy. Most councils allow you to do it online.

How do I pay rates?

How much should I expect to pay for council rates?

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer