Properties you pay rates on
Rates are a property tax based on the valuation of your home. This income pays for services at local and regional levels. Land & Property Services assess and collect rates.
Different types of rates
There are two types of rates:
- a domestic rate for a residential property
- a business rate for a non-residential property
Land & Property Services
Land & Property Services (LPS) are responsible for:
- assessing rates on domestic and business properties
- sending rates bills
- collecting rates payments
- Land & Property Services
Domestic rates
This rate is for household and all residential properties. Your domestic rates bill is based on the capital value of your home on 1 January 2005. Domestic rates bills must be paid on every residential property in Northern Ireland.
For rating purposes, a furnished property is occupied, even if no-one lives in it.
If your household receives full Housing Benefit and Rate Relief, you will not receive a rates bill.
Business rates
This rate applies to all non-residential properties, such as offices, factories and shops. A business rates bill is based on the rental value of your non-residential property on 1 April 2013.
Mixed use properties
If your property has a mixed use, such as a shop with a flat attached, LPS assesses each part separately for rates.
Rental properties
If you own a property and rent it out, you may be liable to pay the rates bill.