Council’s Rating Policy each year includes a rate capping provision to ensure that residential ratepayers are not affected by rate increases by more than 15%, and non-residential ratepayers are not affected by rate increases by more than 50% of the previous year's rates raised.
Please note, rate capping is not automatically applied, and residents are required to apply for a rate capping provision via application. Applications are due by the 1 September 2026.
Please check the eligibility criteria for residential rate capping and non-residential rate capping.
Residential Rate Capping
Council has historically imposed a cap on the maximum increase in the general rate to be charged on rateable land within its area that constitutes the principal place of residence of the principal ratepayer. The percentage set is generally dependent on the overall movement in property valuations. A rebate of general rates will be granted to the Principal Ratepayer where the amount of any increase in rates is greater than 15%.
If you meet the following criteria:
- The property must be the principal place of residence since 01/07/2023
- The land use of the property is Residential
- There have been no improvements on the land over $20,000 since 01/07/2023
- The zoning of the land has not changed since 01/07/2023
- The Land Use has not changed since 01/07/2023
- The ownership of the rateable property has not changed in the past 18 months
Apply for residential rate capping by completing the online application form linked below or complete the hard copy application form and email it to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Residential Rate Capping Application Form
Non-Residential Rate Capping
Council’s Rating Policy each year includes a rate capping provision to ensure that non-residential ratepayers are not affected by rate increases by more than 50% of the previous year's rates raised. Examples of properties that may be eligible for this rebate include commercial, primary production (including vineyards with maturing vines) and holiday homes that are not the owner's principal place of residence.
The percentage set is generally dependent on the overall movement in property valuations. A rebate of general rates will be granted to the Principal Ratepayer where the amount of any increase in rates is greater than 50%.
If you meet the following criteria:
- The ownership of the rateable property has not changed in the past 18 months
- The increase in General rate payable is not due in whole or in part to an increase in valuation of the land in the assessment because of improvements (including maturing vines) made to it valued in excess of $20,000.
Apply for non-residential rate capping by completing the online application form linked below or complete the hard copy application form and email it to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Non-Residential Rate Capping Application Form
Please note: Your first instalment amount as shown on your current rates notice is still due by the 1 September 2026. If your application is successful, the rate capping amount will show on your 2nd Instalment notice which will affect the remaining instalments totals.
For further information about rate capping, refer to Council's Rating Policy.
Applications are due by 1 September 2026.