How we calculate your rates
Council uses the Capital Improved Value (CIV) to calculate your rates.
This is simply the value of the land, building and any other improvements, multiplied by a differential dollar rate. The rate changes depending on how the land and any improvements are used.
About Capital Improved Value
The Capital Improved Value is multiplied by the rate in the dollar to calculate the general rates to be paid by each assessment.
For 2023/24, the following differential rates in the dollar are:
- Vacant Land Differential Rate: 0.0045686
- Derelict Land Differential Rate: 0.0045686
- Retirement Village Differential Rate: 0.0011422
- Residential Differential Rate: 0.0015229
- Commercial Differential Rate: 0.0038072
- Industrial Differential Rate: 0.0040356
- Cultural and Recreational Lands Act Rate: 0.0015229
How it is calculated
For example: the rates for residential property are:
$750,000.000 (The CIV valued)
x 0.0015229 (the differential rate or rate in the dollar)
= $1,142.17 (annual rates payable).
Who values your property
Property valuations are carried out by the Valuer-General Victoria who works for the state government.
They provide a consistent quality of valuations throughout the state.
Property valuations are made under the Valuation of Land Act 1960 and applied by the Local Government Act 1989 to raise and collect rates and charges revenue.
Councils do not get more or less money due to property prices increasing or decreasing. The revaluation simply re-apportions the amount that each ratepayer contributes.
How your property is valued
The Valuer-General works out 3 valuations per property.
These are shown on your notice:
Supplementary valuations
If a property changes, a supplementary valuation may be needed. Properties can change for a variety of reasons.
Valuations must be updated to reflect things like:
- subdivisions
- buildings constructed, changed or demolished
- rezoning
- occupancies. A property may be adapted for multiple occupancies which are then separately rateable.
- new leases.
Properties valuations also take into consideration the sale prices and rental returns of similar properties.
The Valuation of Land Act 1960 provides for a wide range of reasons for supplementary valuations.
When determining the supplementary value, the valuer determines what the property value was on 1 January of each calendar year.
The supplementary value may not necessarily reflect the market value today.
Objections to a valuation
You may object to the valuations shown on your annual valuations, rates and charges notice.
Your objection must be lodged within two months from the date of the rate and valuation notice.
More about valuation
Further information on the valuation process is available through the Victorian state government.
Need help?
Email Rates.Valuers@knox.vic.gov.au and we will get back to you.
Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.