For the first time, property sales data is available on the DCC website, under the Rating Valuations Rules 2008. The information has always been publicly available, but has previously been released on request, rather than being available on the website with other rates information details. In line with moves towards greater transparency of information, the DCC believes the sales data should be easily accessible and that the website is the most appropriate place for it.
The Rating Valuation Rules state councils should make sale details available to the public to provide transparency of the rateable values. The sales data covers all property, e.g. residential, commercial, and farmland, apart from the exceptions outlined below.
Key points about the information displayed:
- Only the most recent sale within the past three years is shown at any one time and this will be updated regularly. Sales data outside this timeframe will not be displayed as it does not provide a valid comparison with current property rateable values.
- It includes the gross sale price, the date of agreement and the settlement date. The gross sales price may include GST if applicable.
- Only sales which can be matched to a whole rating unit are shown, e.g. If someone buys a house and the vacant section next door in one transaction, this sale will not be shown as the price for each property cannot be separated out. Multi sales and part sales have not been included for the same reason.
- Other sales not included are those which are transfers to trusts, relationship property or transfer by survivorship as these are not true sales.
- The sales data is not for commercial use.
Please be aware that the rating valuations do not include chattels but the gross price does.
