[nucleo]

Does anyone change the rating category when processing a notice of sale if a farmland property is sold? If so do you notify the new owner in writing of their new category?
Thanks

[Cherie Muir]

Hi Adele
Some councils would have a policy/procedure to review categories upon sale/transfer. If you did review the category of a property upon sale and you did decide to change the category, yes, you would then need to send the owner a letter advising of the change and declaring the new category. You would also note the reason for the change in the letter and let the new owner know of the avenues of review and appeal of your decision. See sections 523-527 of the Act.
Cherie

[Simone Fisher]

Hi Adele,
We request that the new owner applies for Farmland rating upon receipt of a notice of sale within 30 days. If the new owner completes the application & still qualify no changes are made. If they don’t complete & return the application then the category is changed from the start of the new rating year & a declaration of category is posted.
Simone

[Linda Fury]

Hi Adele

This time every year we send letters out to all the new owners that have purchased a farmland property within the financial year. Most of the properties have paid the rates on settlement – as a farmland property.

We advise them that they need to complete the farmland application form and return it to Council to qualify for the farmland rate – we give them a cut off date and if they don’t return it by that date, we write to them again and give them an extension if they don’t then send the form back, we then change them to residential and then advise them in writing with an amended rates notice.

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