New Qv value has an error.

[whitt]

The latest QV valuations for parts of Auckland are now out.

I logged on to QV website to check one out fully. It seems there is an error in the data on one of my properties.

The building size is substantially wrong and should be much bigger. This building was built new only a few years ago and has not been modified since.

I assume they get data from council records for things such as this.

What should I do?

Is there any Pro's or Con's in getting the error corrected?

Will I pay more rates etc?

[Keithw]

Pros:
Possibly higher valuation- better for refinance or resale.
Better security value as far as bank is concerned (assuming you want to buy more property or borrow against what you have) although they are asking for updated Reg Vals these days, so QV
is not necessarily of much use to you

cons:
possible higher rates

[spritzer]

more cons than pros I reckon unless you are wanting to sell, then maybe get the error rectified.

QV can not do any site visits - we have two properties both on similar sized sections 800 sq m in the same area. The lesser quality property is valued up more - the street is worse, the property is a lot worse yet QV value it higher . I am not going to say anything as i reckon my rates will rise - on the other property.

[whitt]

Does anyone actually know if the Gv affects your rates or the manukau water bill you get?

[Wayne]

Does anyone actually know if the Gv affects your rates or the manukau water bill you get?

A change in GV will affect your rates (when they are reset) if yours has changed up or down reletive to others in the area

[whitt]

I just checked out a rates bill. It seems the only compenent which affected is the annual value. This is the figure which QV estimate you could rent proeprty for. Currently they have this property at $31,000 and I suspect with research this is unlikely to chaneg much if I get error corrected.

Now to find a water bill and see how that is calculated.

[Heg]

Very interesting article on "Close Up" on TV one last night on the setting of the GV's by QV.
Basically saying that they could no longer be relied upon as a guide to the true value of your home and the majority were incorrect.
It's about time this subject was brought out into the open. The whole system is a joke. Link to the article and hopefully the video, here. It's worth a look.http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/465467/2369318

[whitt]

Thanks was an interesting watch

[eri]

the interviewer looks to be a right jerk

and i know it's his "job" to interrupt, provoke argument, and complain ceaselessly without offering workable solutions all for the sake of the "story"

but it always seems short sighted as joe-blogs then thinks that that's the way to communicate with government employees

so off they toddle to their council offices, benefit providers, hospitals, schools and police stations and launch into their own little tirades

with 2 results

1. their own cases are irrepably damaged by their childish foot stamping
2. many, many good people never consider public service jobs where they are expected to take such crap

[Markray]

Does anyone actually know if the Gv affects your rates or the manukau water bill you get?

Hi,

I can't speak for rates, but as Manukau Water Communications Manager I can tell you that the valuation will not effect your water bill in Manukau.

Manukau Water Limited's water price is based on the volume of water used, while the wastewater charge is a fixed price for all residential customers. There is no fixed charge for water and no minimum, so the less water that is used, the less is paid.

Incidentally, the residential water charged can be passed onto tenants in a residential property - so long as this is agreed to in their tenancy agreement. However, my understanding from Residential Tenancies is that the wastewater charge cannot be passed on directly to residentail tenants as it is a fixed charge. Therefore the rent needs to allow for this cost.

By the way, the water and wastewater charges in Manukau are, on average, the lowest in the Auckland region. I know some people begridge having to pay for these services but please be assured that as a company we do try and mimumise the costs. Manukau Water doesn't operate for the purpose of making a profit and we don't pay a dividend, so our revenue goes directly toward supplying our service and/or planning for future water and wastewater infrastructure needs.

Regards, Mark

[Wayne]

By the way, the water and wastewater charges in Manukau are, on average, the lowest in the Auckland region. I know some people begridge having to pay for these services but please be assured that as a company we do try and mimumise the costs. Manukau Water doesn't operate for the purpose of making a profit and we don't pay a dividend, so our revenue goes directly toward supplying our service and/or planning for future water and wastewater infrastructure needs.

Regards, Mark

nice plug but then you have to say that

[Heg]

. However, my understanding from Residential Tenancies is that the wastewater charge cannot be passed on directly to residentail tenants as it is a fixed charge. Therefore the rent needs to allow for this cost.

Very true and it is jolly expensive. My last bills (3 rentals in Manurewa) each had a sewerage charge of $104.94 per property which I have to stump up for. The water charge amount was $25.60, $55.88 and $55.04 respectively.

Why don't you meter the sewage, then we charge the tenants for it. Or at least make it proportionate to the amount of water used. Why is it a set charge for each property?

By the way, the water and wastewater charges in Manukau are, on average, the lowest in the Auckland region.

I beg to differ. My properties on the North Shore are all metered and charges are on average about $60 -$70 per 6 months. My bills fron Manuaku (examples above) are three monthly

[whitt]

Thanks Mark. That saved me trying to dig out a water bill to have a look.
At least I save some money on one property only having a water tank.

[Markray]

Very true and it is jolly expensive. My last bills (3 rentals in Manurewa) each had a sewerage charge of $104.94 per property which I have to stump up for. The water charge amount was $25.60, $55.88 and $55.04 respectively.

Why don't you meter the sewage, then we charge the tenants for it. Or at least make it proportionate to the amount of water used. Why is it a set charge for each property?
I beg to differ. My properties on the North Shore are all metered and charges are on average about $60 -$70 per 6 months. My bills fron Manuaku (examples above) are three monthly

Hi,
Thanks for the response.
The question you ask is the most common one we get asked. The reason we have a fixed charge for wastewater is because the cost of supplying that service is mainly fixed. Regardless of what goes back down the pipes, most of the cost is in the capital cost of having the infrastructure in place and maintaining it.... and whether you use the toilet once a week or once a day those costs don't really change. We did extensively consult on this pricing model last year and , as it happens, as a company we recommended there be a partial variable charge based on the amount of water used.... but based on public feedback our owner (Manukau City Council) decided on the fixed rate. Of course, you could equally argue there should be a partially fixed charge for water, so that people who use very little water pay fairly for the infrastructure cost of having the service available. But the decision to keep the water cost totally variable is due to a desire to offer a strong incentive to discourage the wastage of water - so the less you use the less you pay.

With regard to the average cost.... this is independently assessed as part of the Auckland Water Industry Review each year and our prices are consistently 20-25% below the prices of other water comapnies in the region. There are two factors that might differ in your properties. Firstly, your wastewater charge on the North Shore is probably paid separately as part of your rates bill. It is included in the Manukau Water Limited charge and was removed from the Manukau City Council Rates bill more than two years ago. Secondly, the water used could be quite different. Our water charge ber m3 is less than North Shore's.

[Heg]

Hi,
Secondly, the water used could be quite different.

? Not often that I am rendered speechless but that has done it for me.
It's the best line since British Rail blamed the "wrong type of snow"....