As lot owners in a community scheme we pay additional costs for the upkeep of roads, gardens and cleanliness within the community. Why do we still have to pay rates to the council?
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Answer by Neha Sharma, Hillsdale 2036 Sydney
- You must pay your council rates just like everybody else.
- Despite living in a community scheme that offers most facilities and services you are still entitled to use the wider community services such as:
- the library;
- shopping malls;
- child care centres;
- roads; and
- sports grounds.
- Living in a community scheme cannot remove your obligation to pay council rates.
- It is very important to consider whether you are able to afford living in a large community scheme before you purchase as you will be paying a lot more in rates and levies than others who do not live in such schemes. However you may decide the extra expense is worth paying for the advantages in security and lifestyle that you gain.