Many Clarence property owners have recently received a new property valuation notice from the Office of the Valuer-General (OVG).
We’ve received a number of questions asking why the new valuation wasn’t used to calculate this year’s rates, and whether a lower valuation means a refund is due.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why wasn’t my new valuation used for my 2026–27 rates?
Although the Office of the Valuer-General (OVG) mailed new property valuations on 7 July 2026, these valuations do not take effect until 10 August 2026 when they are proclaimed by the Governor of Tasmania.
Your 2026–27 rates notice was issued on 1 July 2026. Per the Local Government Act we had to use valuations effective before the 1 July 2026, therefore we could not use the valuations issued 7 of July and effective 10 August 2026.
We were due to receive Fresh Valuations during 2025/26 to use for the 2026/27 rating year, but the OVG was unable to complete the valuation in time to have the values proclaimed prior to 1 July 2026.
The valuations issued on 7 July 2026 will be used for rating purposes in 2027/28.
Does a lower property valuation mean my rates should be lower?
Not necessarily.
Property valuations are only one part of how rates are calculated.
Each year, City of Clarence first determines how much money is needed to provide services and infrastructure for the community. Rates are then distributed across all properties based on the rating system adopted by Council and the relative values of properties across the municipality.
If property values change across Clarence, some property owners may pay more, some may pay less, and others may see little or no change. A decrease in your property’s valuation does not automatically result in lower rates.
Can I get a refund because my valuation has changed?
No.
Your 2026–27 rates were correctly calculated using the property valuations that were legally in effect on 1 July 2026. The new valuations are not effective until 10 August 2026, so they cannot be applied retrospectively.
Who determines property values?
Property valuations are completed independently by the Office of the Valuer-General, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.
City of Clarence does not determine property values and cannot change them.
I think my valuation is incorrect. What should I do?
If you believe your property valuation is incorrect, you can lodge an objection directly with the Office of the Valuer-General.
Property owners have 60 days from the date their valuation notice was issued to lodge a statutory objection. Information about the objection process is available on the Office of the Valuer-General website.
FAQs
I received a lower valuation. Will my rates go down?
Not automatically. Rates are not a direct percentage of your property’s value. They are based on our budget requirements and how those costs are shared across all properties.
Why are the dates different?
City of Clarence was required to issue annual rates notices from 1 July using the property valuations that were current at that time. The new valuations only come into effect on 10 August 2026.
Will my current rates notice be reissued using the new valuation?
No. Your current rates notice was correctly issued using the valuations that applied on 1 July 2026.
When will the new valuations be used?
The new valuations come into effect from 10 August 2026. They will be used when required under Tasmania’s rating and valuation legislation.
Can City of Clarence change my property valuation?
No. Property valuations are determined independently by the Office of the Valuer-General.
Who do I contact about my valuation?
If your enquiry is about the value of your property or you wish to object to your valuation, please contact the Office of the Valuer-General. They can explain how your valuation was determined and the objection process.