Wellington Rates Estimator
Annual Rates Breakdown (Estimated)
Understanding Wellington Property Rates
Property rates in Wellington are a mandatory tax levied by the Wellington City Council (WCC) and the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC). These funds are used to maintain the city's infrastructure, including water services, libraries, parks, roads, and public transport. Understanding how your rates are calculated is essential for budgeting, especially given the fluctuations in property valuations.
How Capital Value (CV) Impacts Your Rates
The primary factor driving your rates bill is the Capital Value (CV) of your property. The CV is the assessment of the probable price that your property would have sold for at the date of the last valuation. It includes both the value of the land (Land Value or LV) and the value of any improvements (IV), such as your house, garage, or driveway.
The council determines a "rate in the dollar" based on the total budget required for the year. This factor is multiplied by your CV to determine your General Rate contribution. Therefore, if your property value increases at a higher percentage than the average across the city, your share of the rates burden may increase.
Components of Your Rates Bill
Your total rates invoice is made up of several distinct charges:
- General Rate: A variable charge based on your property's Capital Value.
- UAGC (Uniform Annual General Charge): A fixed flat fee charged to every rateable unit, ensuring every property owner contributes a minimum amount to basic city services.
- Targeted Rates: Specific levies for services such as sewerage, stormwater, and water supply. These may be fixed fees or based on capital value.
- Downtown/Commercial Differential: Commercial properties in Wellington typically pay a higher rate in the dollar compared to residential properties (often referred to as the commercial differential).
Payment Installments
Wellington City Council rates are typically invoiced in four quarterly installments. The rating year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Due dates generally fall in:
- Installment 1: September 1st
- Installment 2: December 1st
- Installment 3: March 1st
- Installment 4: June 1st