A rating valuation is a three-yearly assessment of a property's value and is determined by house sale prices on a specific date. We use these valuations as a guide for setting your rates.
Revaluations are required by law and we do them because we want to set property rates fairly.
As property values are always moving we need to update our rates distribution to maintain fairness.
The aim of the general property revaluation is not to provide values for property owners to use for marketing, sales or any other purposes.
At least once every three years every district and city in New Zealand is revalued to set the values that the council will use to charge the rates for the next three years.
The Horowhenua District has been revalued for rating purposes, with new rateable valuations for properties due out from 17 December 2025.
The new values will be used by Horowhenua District Council to determine rating from 1 July 2026.
Our valuers, Quotable Value (QV), work with independent organisations to determine the values. The Valuer-General audits these values to ensure accuracy. Comparison of recent sales in the area with the property being valued is one of the factors considered to determine property values.
Other factors considered:
- property type
- location
- land size
- zoning
- floor area
- consented work (renovations, new build, subdivisions etc).
Property values are made up of Capital Value, Land Value and Improvement Value.
Capital Value (CV)
The most likely selling price at the date of valuation.
The CV is also known as Government Valuation (GV) or Rateable Value (RV).
Land Value (LV)
The most likely selling price of the vacant land at the date of valuation.
Improvement Value (IV)
The added value of improvements to the vacant land. This is calculated as CV minus LV.
The IV is not an assessment of the replacement cost and should not be used for insurance purposes.
The valuation is made on this “highest and best use” basis, rather than the existing use. For example, a smaller pastoral block may have a higher value as a lifestyle residential property, and a smaller farming property on the outskirts of a larger urban township may have a higher value as a residential subdivision. It is this “highest and best use” that tends to increase the value of coastal land because of the historically high demand from developers.
Additional information is available from QV on their website at www.ratingvalues.co.nz - you can also watch the video below.
An increase in your property value may not mean you pay more in rates. Any rates increase is determined by your property value increase compared with the average increase across the Horowhenua District.
If your property has increased by more than the average, you may pay more than the average rates increase for the 2026/27 financial year.
Revaluation does not affect the amount of money we collect from rates - it helps us work out everyone’s share of rates.
You can rest assured that if your value changes as a result of your objection, we will backdate the changes to your rates accordingly.
The 2025 values will be used for rating purposes from 1 July 2026. This revaluation process has been undertaken and property owners will start to receive their valuation notices from 17 December 2025.
You can find out your property valuation by:
Why am I getting a new property valuation now?
Property revaluations happen every three years. They ensure all properties across the district are assessed at the same point in time so rates can be shared fairly. These values will be used for the rates year starting 1 July 2026.
Does a lower property value mean my rates will now go down?
Not necessarily. Revaluations do not change the total amount of rates Council collects. They reset how rates are shared between properties. What matters is how your value has changed compared with others across the district.
Rates have already gone up recently. Is Council using this to increase rates again?
While rates are likely to go up from 1 July 2026, the total rates collected will not increase as a result of the valuation change. Total rates are set through the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan processes, not by revaluations. Revaluations only affect how rates are distributed between properties, not the overall amount Council collects.
Why are values dropping when everything still feels expensive?
These values are a snapshot of the market as at 1 August 2025. They reflect what the wider property market was doing at that time, including the easing of prices following the post-COVID peak. They do not track day-to-day market conditions.
Is this happening elsewhere or just in Horowhenua?
This pattern is being seen across many parts of Aotearoa. Many councils are experiencing flat or declining values, particularly in land values. Local differences still apply.
Who sets my property value and how is it worked out?
Valuations are carried out independently by Quotable Value on behalf of Council. They are desk-based assessments that consider recent sales data, market trends, land size, location and zoning. Council does not set individual property values.
What parts of my rates are affected by property values?
General rates are based on land value. The land transport rate and the stormwater targeted rate are based on capital value. Some parts of your rates are fixed charges and are not affected by property values.
What should I do if I disagree with the valuation?
You can lodge an objection directly with Quotable Value. Information on how to do this will be included with your valuation notice and on our website. Objections close on 5 February 2026, with late objections accepted by Council until 13 February 2026.
When will these new valuations affect what I pay?
The new valuations take effect from 1 July 2026 for the 2026/27 rating year. They do not change your current year’s rates.
Why is Council sending this out over summer when people are already under pressure?
We understand this information can feel unsettling, especially in the current cost of living environment. The timing is set by the statutory revaluation process. We encourage people to take their time, read the information carefully, and get in touch if they need help understanding what it means for them.
How can I get help if I do not understand my notice?
You can contact Quotable Value to help you understand how your value has been calculated.
You can also contact Council’s Customer Services team by phoning 06 366 0999 or emailing enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz. We're here to help.
Is Council making money from lower property values?
No. Revaluations do not increase the total amount of rates Council collects. They only reset how that amount is shared between properties.
What happens if I've recently made improvements to my property that didn't require a building consent?
If you've recently made improvements to your property that didn’t require a building consent then QV won’t know about the value you've added.
You can check your general property information and make corrections, as well as advising QV of improvements, on their website at www.updatemyproperty.co.nz. Alternatively, contact QV on 0800 787 284.