Wanneroo and Serpentine Jarrahdale Reaffirm GRV for Rates: What It Means for Property Owners

GRV Reaffirmed in Wanneroo and Serpentine Jarrahdale

The City of Wanneroo has reaffirmed its commitment to using Gross Rental Value (GRV) as the basis for calculating rates on designated land.

What happened

Several notices published in the WA Government Gazette confirm that the City of Wanneroo and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale will continue using Gross Rental Value (GRV) to determine property rates. These notices formalise the councils' decisions regarding the valuation method used for calculating rates on properties within their jurisdictions. The notices specifically state that the method of valuation will be the gross rental value of the land. This means property rates will be based on the potential rental income of a property, rather than its sale value.

What this means for you

If you own property in the City of Wanneroo or the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, your annual council rates will be determined by the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of your property. This means your rates are based on the potential rental income your property could generate, as assessed by the Valuer General. If your property has a high rental value, you can expect to pay higher rates. Conversely, properties with lower rental values will incur lower rates. It's important to note that fluctuations in the rental market could directly impact your rates assessment. Property owners can consult the Valuer General of WA for more information on how GRV is determined. The recent decision means no change in how rates are calculated, but it is a reminder of the GRV system.

What this means for WA

The reaffirmation of GRV by Wanneroo and Serpentine Jarrahdale signals a continued reliance on rental income potential as a key factor in local government revenue. This decision reflects a broader trend in WA local governments, with many councils opting for GRV as their primary rating method. This method tends to shift the rate burden towards investment properties, as the underlying value is more directly correlated. As more councils maintain GRV, it reinforces the existing system and impacts the overall distribution of rates across different property types. This decision also highlights the power of local councils in determining their revenue streams.

The numbers

The WA Government Gazette included multiple notices titled "Basis of Rates – City of Wanneroo," confirming the council's decision. Similarly, a notice specifically for the "Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale" also stipulated the use of GRV. One notice stated explicitly that the "City of Wanneroo will use gross rental value as the basis for rates on designated land." These reaffirmations come amidst other local government announcements, such as the City of Swan's fire hazard reduction notice, demonstrating the range of responsibilities handled at the local level. The ministerial acting arrangements show Hon A. Sanderson MLA temporarily acting as Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Finance; Electoral Affairs; Goldfields-Esperance from 20 July to 2 August 2026, which could potentially influence future policy discussions related to local government funding and valuation methods.

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