Will this increase my rates bill?

Rates bills generally rise with house values but the two aren’t directly connected. As the overall value of properties in Wellington have increased, so has the pool of value council draws rates. Meaning ratepayers will pay fewer cents in the dollar but pay this levy on a greater dollar-value. Limiting Wellington City Council’s ability to escalate rates with house value is contained by a $350m self-imposed limit in rates revenue until 2021, as per the council’s 10-year plan. It has also said it will raise rates at an average 3.5 per cent per year until 2021, and an average 4 per cent per year until 2028. Rates will increase by 3.6 per cent in 2019-20, with sharper hikes to come. An increase of 5.8 per cent is anticipated for 2021-22, and 6.2 per cent for 2023-24. The self-imposed rates revenue limit will raise to $495m in 2021, when a targeted tourism rate will be put in place.