Revised valuations FAQs

The total amount of rates council requires to run the district doesn't change because property values change. The amount of money needed in rates is based on the funding we need to deliver services and projects in the district and is determined each year via the annual or long term plan process. These costs are then allocated across our district using a combination of land value, capital value and fixed charges, with differential rates applied in some cases.

Rating values are one component of how rates are assessed. If you value goes up or down, it doesn't necessarily mean your rates will go up or down to match that. For example, you could have an increase in your property value, but if that increase was lower than the average increase across the district then your rates would likely go down. Each category of property is valued differently as well, depending on its use. There are multiple categories across the district, and each category has had different valuation movements.

You can lodge an objection free of charge before the objection closing date if you believe the valuation for your property is either too low or too high.

You can make an objection online at www.ratingvalues.co.nz, or by personal letter posted to QV. Contact QV on 0800 787 284 for further information. You can also download an objection form PDF from the website or pick one up from our customer services counter. Your completed form needs to be posted to:

Quotable Value Ltd – Business Support
Private Bag 39 818
Wellington Mail Centre
LOWER HUTT 5045

If you miss an objection deadline, QV will take your concerns into account on the next revaluation, or you can ask QV to do an urgent rating review without having to wait for another general revaluation. There is a charge for QV to do this. Any change in rating value will be used for rating purposes from the next rating year. For more information visit the QV website, www.ratingvalues.co.nz.

While the increase in values is indicative of the increase in value growth over recent years, there will be some variability in the increase across different property types and location, driven by the differing preferences of property types being sought, sold and purchased.

Rating values are calculated by Quotable Value who analyse recent sales and compare and contrast similar properties using technology and experience to determine a property’s updated rating value. QV valuers may also inspect properties sold recently and those where building consents show work has recently been completed. Because of the vast number of properties in NZ it’s not possible to view every property in person, (although many urban properties are looked at externally to check the accuracy of the proposed value level). You can research local area sales and other property information by going to QV.co.nz or by using the QV homeguide app.

QV Valuations indicate the rating value of a property at a particular date every three years (currently 1 June 2025). These are the values that will be used through the rates-setting process in the Annual Plan the following year (for the current valuations this will be from 1 July 2026).

Capital Values (CV) are for rating purposes. Although the CV may be used as an indicative price you could sell a property for at the date of the last general revaluation, we recommend you get a Market Valuation if you are looking to buy or sell a property. A registered valuer will thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your property. They will also use their local knowledge and analyse recent sales data in the area. All this information would be presented in a comprehensive report that will include a market value for your property, which will be current at the date you request it.

If you’ve refurbished or renovated your property, but the work hasn’t required a building consent e.g. a new kitchen, bathroom, deck or something else, Quotable Value or the council won’t know about those changes and your rating value may not have been amended to reflect this. In these cases you need to contact QV to have these reviewed.

No. Every three years Ōpōtiki District council has a legal requirement to value all properties in the District under the Rating Valuations Act 1998 Section 9.

The new rating valuations will be used to help set the Council's rates next year. Revaluation doesn't affect the total amount of rates collected by Council, but it does help Council work out everyone's fair share of rates, which is based partly on capital value. If your property value has gone up by 30%, that doesn’t mean your rates will also go up by 30%. The total amount of rates we require to run the district doesn’t change just because property values change. Rating values are just one component of how rates are assessed.

Councils store details on every property in New Zealand, including yours. Properties with similar attributes such as land area, and age of building, condition and location are grouped together. A value trend (determined by relevant sales) will then be applied to the group in which your property sits. A significant number of internal and roadside inspections are undertaken prior to the revaluation. QV also know and understand our local market conditions.

Ultimately however, if you are seeking your property’s worth for the purposes of selling or financing, you are recommended to get a market valuation from and independent registered valuer, as mentioned above.