Kaipara District Council contracts Quotable Value to value properties on its behalf. Quotable Value is New Zealand’s largest valuation and property services company.
Why do properties have to be valued?
The Rating Valuations Act 1988 says that all properties must be valued every three years to help set local body rates. Kaipara District Council uses standard rating valuations governed by the Rating Valuation Act 1998 and audited by the Office of the Valuer-General.
How are property values calculated?
QV compares your property with recent sales in an area to determine a property value. Many factors are considered, but can include location and land size, zoning, floor area, and consented work such as renovations.
Rates
How do new valuations affect rates?
Rating valuations form only a part of the calculation of your rates bill. Kaipara District Council uses land values to set General Rates. Valuations are NOT used to set the Uniform Annual General Charge, Ward Rates or targeted rates for water and sewerage. The new rating valuations will be used to calculate rates for the next rating year that is commencing 01 July 2024. The new valuations which show the value of land in Kaipara has increased do not increase revenue for the Council. The new valuations will reallocate or redistribute the rates between ratepayers.
If my land value went up by 10%, will I face a 10% rates increase?
No. An increase in your land value does not mean an equivalent increase in rates.
First, only part of your rates bill is calculated using the value of your land. Secondly, for that part of your rates that is based on land value any increase in your rates will depend on how much your land value increased compared to the average across the District.
Valuation explained
How is the valuation done?
Quotable Value assesses properties using a mass appraisal process. Rather than inspect every property, QV takes similar property sales in each area at the time of the valuation and establishes a market trend. Sometimes roadside inspections are carried out to check the accuracy of proposed values. QV also uses property information like building consents held by Council.
What does land value, capital value and improvement value mean?
Land value is the mostly likely selling price of bare land at valuation date. It includes drainage, excavation, filling, retaining walls, reclamation, grading, levelling, vegetation clearing, soil improvement, and protection from erosion or flooding. It does NOT include buildings.
Capital value is the mostly likely selling price of the whole property at valuation date. It includes buildings and improvements. It does NOT include chattels, stock, crops, machinery or trees. Only capital value includes GST, other property types do not.
Improvement value is the difference between the capital value and the land value. It reflects the value of the property’s buildings and other structures.
I haven’t made alterations to my property. Why has my property value increased?
The capital value is determined by recent sales in the area, which creates a market trend. Even if you have not made improvements to your land or property, its value may have increased because of strong sales in your area.
How can Quotable Value revalue properties without inspecting them?
It is not practical to inspect every property, nor is it necessary. Council holds a lot of information about properties. Council tells QV about major changes like subdivisions and building consents. Roadside inspections can also confirm other changes.
Objections
What can I do if I disagree with the valuation?
You can object if you do not think your valuation reflects the market value of your property. Talk to QV first by calling 0800 787 284. If you are still concerned, you can make an official objection by completing the QV objection form online. Objections must be lodged within six weeks of valuation notices going out.
What happens if I lodge an objection?
After an objection your property will be inspected. If the issue can’t be resolved with an external inspection, the valuer will contact you to arrange access. You will be told about the outcome of your objection in writing.
Public information
Is my valuation public information?
Council is required by law to make some information public. The contents of your valuation notice are contained within a public register known as the District Valuation Roll. This is available for public inspection at Council offices for a limited time. You can access any information held about your property and ask for corrections to be made.
Can I remove my personal information from the roll?
You can ask for your name to be removed from the District Valuation Roll. Visit a Council Service Centre or contact us.
Where can I get more information about my valuation notice?
Phone Quotable Value on 0800 787 284. Alternatively, go to QV’s website for online property information.
