What are rates?

Rates are a property tax based on the valuation of your home. The income from rates provides funding for services at both local (your council) and regional (NI Assembly) levels.

Different types of rates

There are two different rates, a domestic rate for residential properties and a business rate for non-domestic properties

Domestic rate

This is a rate for household and all residential properties, with bills based on the capital value of your home as at 1 January 2005. Domestic rates must be paid on every occupied residential property in Northern Ireland. A furnished property is considered occupied for rate purposes, even if no-one lives in it.

If your household receives full Housing Benefit (for rates), you will not receive a rate bill.

Business rate

This is a rate for all non-domestic properties, such as offices, factories and shops, with individual bills based on the rental value of your property as at 1 April 2001. Please use the link below to find more information on business rates: