Rates FAQs

Rates are calculated by multiplying the Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV) of your property by the rate in the dollar. The rate in the dollar is the rates levy for the differential category applied to your property.

GRV is an annual indicative rental value for a property determined by the Valuer General of Western Australia. The Valuer General calculates GRV by analysing actual rental data. This means that properties are rated on their income earning potential rather than their resale value. The Valuer General reassesses the GRV of properties every three years as required under the Local Government Act 1995. The most recent revaluation undertaken was for the 2023/24 financial year.

Yes, property features like location, installation of a pool or patio, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional amenities can affect your GRV.

A property owner may lodge an objection within 60 days of the date of issue of the Rates Notice. Rates must still be paid as assessed by the due date, even if an objection has been lodged.

Any reduction in rates as a result of a successful objection will be allocated to any balance outstanding or refunded. For guidance, visit Landgate's website or call their Customer Service at 9273 7373.

A Specified Area Rate (SAR) is an additional rate levied separately on designated areas within the City of Joondalup district. We currently have four SAR areas:

• Iluka
• Woodvale Waters
• Harbour Rise
• New Burns Beach.

Owners in these areas pay a special rate to cover the costs of additional landscaping services. This is charged as a separate rate in the dollar and is listed as an additional item on the rates notice. The same GRV used for calculating rates is applied to this rate in the dollar to calculate the specified area rate payable. The City is required to use the money from specified area rates for the purpose for which the rate is imposed and in the financial year in which it is imposed. 

The Specified Area Rates levied in 2024-25 are:

• Burns Beach – 0.37204c/$
• Iluka – 0.59620c/$
• Harbour Rise – 0.71078c/$
• Woodvale Waters – 0.70408c/$

Changes you make to your property may affect your property's valuation (GRV), and in turn, the rates you pay.

The Valuer General will usually provide an amended valuation and effective date within three to five months of the completion of the changes undertaken at your property. It is at this point we will issue an Interim Rates Notice for your property, which is an amended rates notice reflecting the new GRV.

Examples of changes may include the construction of a new building, the installation of a pool, the addition of a new room, the demolition of a property, or the subdivision or strata titling of a property.