• Are you new to the area? Request a copy of our free New Resident's Kit.

The Council's main source of income is from rates levied on rateable land in the Municipality, including strata and company title units. Approximately 25,600 rate notices were issued in 2008/2009 with a yield of $29.6 million.

Residential rates

Approximately 94% of the properties are residential with the rest being a business rate.

The rates on residential properties consist of a base rate ($461.10 for 2008/2009) to generate 50% of the category's income added to an ad valorem rate based on the land value to make up the rest.

A rebate of up to $250 can be granted to eligible pensioners, who pay rates and live in the property they own. Eligible pensioners also receive a full rebate for Council's Environmental and Infrastructure Levy.

Business rates

The Council levies rates in the following business categories:

• General business
• Double Bay business area
• Rose Bay business area
• Oxford Street, Paddington business area
• Edgecliff business area
• Bellevue Hill business area
• Edgecliff/Grosvenor Streets business area
• Fiveways, Paddington, business area
• New South Head Road, Vaucluse, business
• Old South Head Road, Rose Bay, business area
• Old South Head Road, Vaucluse, business area
• Plumer Road business area
• Queen Street business area
• Watsons Bay business area
  

The business rates are 100% ad valorem rates subject to a minimum rate of $473.65 for 2008/2009 (a fixed rate in the dollar based on varying land values)

Valuations

Council is currently utilising a base date of 01/07/2006 valuations. All rates are levied in July for the financial year and may be paid in full by the end of August or by four equal instalments by the last day of August, November, February and May each year. Interest at the rate of 10.0% per annum accrues daily on overdue amounts.

Methods of payment

Council's preferred method of payment is direct debit. Authorisation forms are available from our Customer Service Centre or you can download a copy of the form (PDF File; 93kb).

Rates can also be paid as follows: 

• At any branch of the Commonwealth Bank;
• By cheque (payable to Woollahra Council) mailed to Locked Bag W146 Sydney NSW 1292;
• By credit card (charges apply) over the phone on 1300 859 660;
• At this website (charges apply);
  
• In person at our Customer Service Centre by cash, cheque, credit card (charges apply) and EFTPOS.
  

For more details phone 9391 7050.