The rates calculation starts with determining the budget we need set to deliver our local services. This budget amount is then divided among rateable properties, although not everyone pays the same amount.
Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the differential rate in the dollar set by Council. This is subject to an annual minimum rate which is set each year by Council.
Your valuation is determined by the Valuer General at Landgate (VGO), a separate organisation to the City of Swan. The VGO assigns non-rural properties a Gross Rental Value (GRV), and rural properties an Unimproved Value (UV).
The Gross Rental Value, or GRV, represents the gross annual rental that a property might reasonably be expected to earn annually if it were rented, including rates, taxes, insurance and other outgoings. For non-residential properties, GST is also included.
Unimproved Value, or UV, is the value of land only. It does not include the value of your home, other structures or improvements. For land within the metropolitan area, the UV does include merged improvements such as drainage, levelling and filling. Please contact the VGO for further information.
For more information, visit the Calculating Your Rates page.
As per section 6.35 of the Local Government Act 1995, Council is able to set a minimum amount payable for properties in its district, which is greater than the general rate which would otherwise be payable on that land.
For more information and the Minimum Rates for this financial year, please visit the Calculating your rates page.
The Water Corporation does not perform drainage works, or levy a drainage rate, in the Midland, Guildford, South Guildford, Woodbridge and parts of Viveash and Hazelmere.
The City is responsible for construction and maintenance of drainage infrastructure within this area, and the total cost to carry out these works over a number of years is estimated at $25 million. As a result, residents in these areas are charged an additional rate for this service.
This Specified Area Rate (SAR) is shown separately on your Rate Notice. For more information and the SAR for this financial year, please visit the Calculating your rates page.
From July 1, 2015, Council introduced two (2) Specified Area Rates "GRV Hazelmere Industrial Area Infrastructure and UV Hazelmere Industrial Area Infrastructure" based on the basis of valuation applied to the property, either GRV or UV.
The City is responsible for construction and maintenance of the roads, footpaths and drainage infrastructure in the current and future industrial areas in Hazelmere.
The total cost to carry out these numbers of works over a number of years is estimated at $74.4 million.
This Specified Area Rate (SAR) is shown separately on your Rate Notice. For more information and the SAR for this financial year, please visit the Calculating your rates page.
Included in your annual rates are charges for other necessary community services. Not all of these additional charges apply to all residents. If applicable, you'll see these charges listed as separate items on your annual rate notice.
Additional charges may apply for rubbish services, emergency services, security services, swimming pool inspection or penalty interest charges.
For more information, visit the Additional Charges page.
Certain concessions may apply if you're an eligible pensioner/senior, own farmland with a specified purpose, own a residential heritage listed property or if you are eligible for a sporting club concession.
For more information, visit the Rates Concessions page.