FAQs
What is Council’s reason for reviewing the valuation method used?
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale (‘the Shire”) is committed to keeping rates as low as possible and therefore is now reviewing the method of valuation for select properties which may be a beneficiary of a change in rating methodology applied to properties within the district to make a submission to the Minister of Local Government.
What is the difference between UV and GRV?
Unimproved Values (UV)
Where the land is predominately used for rural purposes and a livelihood is derived from the land, the land is assessed on value of the site without improvements. UV properties are revalued every year
Gross Rental Values (GRV)
Where the land is used predominately for non-rural purposes, values are determined based on the gross annual rental value of the property. GRV properties are revalued every three (3) years in the metropolitan area and every three (3) to five (5) years in other areas of Western Australia.
How do valuation methods determine rates?
The Valuer Generals Office provide us with values for all properties within the Shire, either the GRV or UV depending on predominant land usage. This value is then multiplied by either the GRV or UV rate in the dollar determined by Council to calculate rates for each individual property.
If my property changes from UV to GRV will my rates increase?
It has been determined that if your property moves from unimproved value to gross rental value your rates will decrease (based on current valuation).
Actual rates will depend on the valuation provided by the Valuer General and the Rates in the dollar applied by Council.
Who determines the basis for the rating of a property?
The Minister for Local Government determines whether GRV or UV is appropriate.
Who determines the value of the property?
Valuations are carried out by the Valuer Generals Office of Landgate.
What happens if I do not return this declaration?
If the Land Use Declaration Form is not returned it will be assumed that the land is used predominantly for non-rural purposes based on the data already obtained for your property and your current rating will be proposed to change from UV to GRV as at 1st July 2024.
When will these changes take place?
Our aim is to have these changes in place for the 2024/25 financial year, and involves the following steps:
• Officers consider your submission and the evidence, using a range of techniques, from aerial photographs to site visits, to determine if they consider the change to be appropriate.
• A report is prepared for council who considers all submissions and makes a decision on the proposed changes.
• Details of the properties are sent to the Minister for approval of the change to land use. The Minister will decide on the effective date.
• Once finalised all changes will be published in the Government Gazette and the local government is notified by the Minister.
• The Valuer General will then revalue the property and notify the local government who will apply the new valuation method.
My services are still the same, so why is the method changing?
Changing the method of valuation from UV to GRV is not related to the services provided. It is solely determined on the use of the land.
Will a change in valuation method affect my current use of the property?
If the method of valuing your property changes from UV to GRV id does not affect, or change, the current land use approved for your property.
What if I think my property use will change in the future?
If your property use changes in future you can apply to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale to have it reassessed.