Perth Property Valuations - Rates & Bylaws

Taxation and Finance Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia property valuations underpin how local councils calculate rates and enforce related bylaws. This guide explains who sets valuations, how councils use them for rate notices, what rights ratepayers have to review or appeal a valuation, and practical steps to pay or dispute rates. It is aimed at residential and investment property owners who need to understand valuation timing, review windows and the enforcement pathways used by the City of Perth and state valuation authorities.

How valuations are set and used

Councils generally use a valuation supplied by the state Valuer-General or Landgate to determine the basis for council rates; the valuation type and effective date will appear on your rate notice. For details about state valuation practice and how valuations are prepared see the Landgate valuations information [1] and for how the City of Perth applies valuations to rates see the City of Perth rates page [2].

Check your rate notice for the valuation date and valuation type before acting.

Key steps for ratepayers

  • Review the valuation and the rate notice as soon as you receive it.
  • Note the objection or review deadlines listed on the notice or on the valuation authority page.
  • Contact the City of Perth rates team or Landgate/Valuer-General for clarification before lodging an objection.
  • Pay any undisputed portion of rates on time to avoid interest or recovery actions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of unpaid rates and breaches of local bylaws is managed by the City of Perth (Rates and Revenue, By-law Enforcement) and may involve recovery action, interest charges, infringement notices or court proceedings. Specific penalty amounts and interest rates are set in council schedules or state legislation and vary; where a figure is not provided on the municipal page it is noted as not specified on the cited page [2].

If you cannot pay a rate by the due date, contact the council promptly to discuss arrangements.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for general bylaws or rates penalties; see council schedules and the Local Government Act for particulars [2][3].
  • Escalation: councils typically apply interest on overdue rates and may commence recovery actions; exact escalation steps and time limits are not specified on the municipal rates overview [2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: council orders, seizure of goods via court order, prohibition notices and prosecution in court are possible enforcement tools as described in council enforcement guidance and state law [2][3].
  • Enforcer and complaints: contact City of Perth Rates and Revenue or By-law Enforcement via the official contact pages for inspections and complaints [2].
  • Appeals and reviews: valuation objections and appeals routes are provided by Landgate/Valuer-General and councils; statutory time limits apply—if a specific time limit is not shown on the municipal page it is not specified on the cited page [1][2].

Applications & Forms

The principal forms and applications relate to valuation objections, rates payment plans and concession applications. Landgate and the Valuer-General publish valuation objection procedures and forms; the City of Perth publishes rates payment and hardship information. Where a specific form number or fee is not published on the municipal information page it is not specified on the cited page [1][2].

Always use the official Landgate or City of Perth form when lodging a valuation objection.

FAQ

Who carries out property valuations used for council rates?
The state Valuer-General or Landgate provides official valuations that councils use for rate calculations; check your rate notice for the valuation authority cited on your notice [1].
How do I object to my valuation?
Lodge an objection following the Valuer-General/Landgate procedure and notify your council; specific objection forms and instructions are available from Landgate and the City of Perth pages [1][2].
What happens if I don’t pay my rates?
Unpaid rates may incur interest, recovery actions and enforcement measures by the council; exact penalty amounts and escalation steps are set in council policy and state law and may not be detailed on the municipal overview pages [2][3].

How-To

  1. Check the valuation date and type on your rate notice and compare with the Landgate valuation record [1].
  2. Gather evidence of value (recent sales, rental agreements, rate assessments) to support an objection.
  3. Contact the City of Perth rates team to discuss discrepancies and possible payment arrangements [2].
  4. Lodge a formal objection with the Valuer-General or Landgate within the stated review period on their site [1].
  5. If dissatisfied, follow appeal routes in state law or seek review as outlined by the Valuer-General and Local Government Act resources [3].

Key Takeaways

  • Valuations come from state authorities and are used by councils to set rates.
  • Act quickly: note objection deadlines on the valuation or rate notice.
  • Contact City of Perth rates staff or Landgate early to discuss disputes or payment options.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Landgate - Valuations
  2. [2] City of Perth - Rates and Payments
  3. [3] Local Government Act 1995 (WA)

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