Rates Postponement

Rates Postponement

The Council's rates postponement policy allows ratepayers (usually those aged over 65) to postpone paying their rates by placing a charge over their property. This is similar to a reverse mortgage. The rates will usually be paid when the ratepayer ceases to be the owner of the rating unit.

The advantage of the policy is that it provides an option to some ratepayers that may otherwise struggle to pay their rates.

It is however a big decision to take, so we recommend an applicant obtains independent advice from an appropriately qualified and trained person before entering into a rates postponement.

The Council can require this before a postponement is granted.

The policy has specific eligibility criteria and is designed so that it does not place additional costs on other ratepayers.

Read the full rates postponement policy [PDF, 77 KB].

To apply for a rates postponement contact the council on contactus@selwyn.govt.nz or phone 0800 SELWYN (735 996)