Purchase in the city
Imagine having everything your heart desires within minutes of your front door. Whether you’re into fine dining, catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster, enjoying a concert or shopping for the latest fashions, Perth has everything you need.
Relax in the outdoors
We have 11kms of of riverfront throughout the City, plus pedestrian and bicycle paths offering amazing views of the Swan River, Kings Parks, Optus Stadium, and the City skyline. We’re also home to some of the most spectacular parks in Australia.
Entertainment on your doorstep
From unique artistic and cultural events, to unique food and dining experiences, the City has something to keep the whole family entertained.
Indulge and share exceptional dining experiences
The City offers a variety of worldwide food experiences from Japanese, Thai and Chinese to French cuisine.
Participate in unique artistic and cultural events
Perth is the events heart of Western Australia, hosting a variety of events across the calendar year. From the famous FRINGE WORLD Festival in Summer, to the Christmas Lights Trail over the festive season to Lightscape in Kings Park.
Convenient services
Living in Perth means you are surrounded by world-class hospitals, universities and the headquarters of some of Western Australia’s biggest companies. And you can take advantage of all the usual services your family needs such as childcare, hairdressers, or home-delivered groceries.
Embrace apartment-style living
Enjoy the luxuries that apartment living is renowned for such as first-class gyms, swimming pools and concierge services.
City of Perth’s Incentive for Future Purchasers
Benefit from 50% Residential (Council) Rates reimbursement when you buy a new apartment approved between 19 July 2023 and 30 June 2027 in the Central Perth neighbourhood.
Other incentives to make your dream of living in the City a reality
On top of the City’s council rate reimbursement, there are many State incentives that’ll help you on your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the rate reimbursement program?The City of Perth will provide owners of new residential dwellings and buildings that have received Development Approval between the 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2027 with a 50% reimbursement of rates.
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What neighbourhood is subject to the rate reimbursement?
The Central Perth neighbourhood as depicted in the below map.
The area is bounded by the following roads:- Hill Street on the east.
- Roe Street and the angle formed by Wellington Street, Lord Street and the railways linking Lord Steet to Roe Street in the north.
- Mitchell Freeway, Malcolm Street, Cliff Street, Bellevue Terrace, and the west side of Mount Bay Road on the west.
- Birdiya Drive, Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Square and Riverside Drive on the south.
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Who is eligible?
The purchaser of a new residential apartment, whether it is:
- an owner occupier
- an investor
- a foreign buyer
- a pensioner and senior eligible for a concession from Council rates and Emergency Service Levy and in some circumstances, to rubbish services charges
- Owner of a new building (Build to Rent, Co-Living and Student Accommodation)
Who is not eligible?
- Purchaser of existing dwellings.
- Any other entity already benefiting from Council rates rebate and concession or exemption.
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What is considered a new residential dwelling and building under the rate reimbursement program?
New residential apartment dwellings or building that has received Development Approval between the 1 July 2023 and the 30 June 2027.
New residential dwellings and buildings include:
- Co-Living
- Student accommodation
- Build to Rent
- Build-to-sell
- Building with a change of use to residential
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What dwellings are not eligible?
- Existing dwellings and residential buildings
- New dwellings that received Development Approval before the 1 July 2023
- Short stay accommodation
- Lodging house
- Hotel
- Service apartment
- Hostel/Backpacker
- Dwellings owned by State government and Not for Profit organisations
- Buildings and dwellings exempt from Local Government rates
- Non-residential development (e.g. office, commercial, and retail)
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How long can I receive the Residential Rate Reimbursement?You can receive the rate reimbursement for three (3) years or 36 months commencing from when the dwelling is available for occupancy.
Once the 3 (three) years has finished, the dwelling or building will no longer be eligible. -
What does available for occupancy mean?For a building under a single ownership, such as Build-to-Rent, Co-Living and Student Accommodation, occupancy will commence when the certificate of occupancy is obtained.
For apartments (Built-to-Sell), occupancy will start from the date stated in the settlement statement (First transaction of the dwelling). -
Are there any other specific requirements to be eligible for the rate reimbursement program?Yes, buildings under single ownership such as Built-to-Rent, Co-living or Student Housing must demonstrate a minimum of 5-star Green Star Building rating certification in the first year, and 5-star NABERS rating in the subsequent reimbursement application years.
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Will the Rate Reimbursement period commence automatically?No, Local Government rates need to be paid in full first. Then an application for the rate reimbursement must be lodged (online or paper) for the City to assess eligibility and process the reimbursement.
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What is the last available date to apply for the rate reimbursement program?
Applications for the rate reimbursement program will be accepted up until the 31 May 2030.
From the 1st of June 2030, applications will not be accepted for the rate reimbursement program.
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What information must be provided with the rate reimbursement application form?
The owner of a building (Build-to-Rent, Co-Living or Student Accommodation) must provide the following:
- Development Application number and date of approval.
- Proof of full payment of Local Governments rates for the year.
- Copy of Occupancy Permit
- Copy of Certificate of 5-Star Green Star Building rating (year one).
- Copy of Certificate 5-star NABERS (years two and three).
The owner of an apartment must provide the following:
- Development Application number and date of approval.
- Proof of full payment of Local Governments rates for the year.
- Proof of date of settlement.
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What will the amount of the reimbursement be?If eligible, the amount of the reimbursement will be 50% of the Local Government rates paid for the year. This amount excludes other charges such as the amount for the rubbish and fire levies.
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Will the reimbursement automatically continue each financial year?No, you will need to pay in-full the Local Government rates each financial year and submit a new reimbursement application to assess its eligibility.
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If the first purchaser sells the property will the Rate Reimbursement continue with the next owner?Yes, the rate reimbursement is linked to the property.
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What if my settlement statement or occupancy permit date occurs in the middle of the financial year?The amount of the rate reimbursement will be paid on a pro-rata basis.
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What if the building comprises another use such as commercial or office?The amount of the rate reimbursement will be paid on a pro-rata basis to the portion recognised as residential.
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What if I did not apply for the Council rates reimbursement program because I forgot or I was not aware of the program?As soon as you apply within the 3 (three) year eligibility period and the dwelling or building remains under the same ownership, you can obtain a retrospective reimbursement.
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What if the previous owner did not claim the rate reimbursement?
Successive purchasers/owners can claim the rate reimbursement if the dwelling remains within the 3 years eligibility period.
However, successive purchasers/owners will only be able to claim rate reimbursement for the remaining period of eligibility.
Moreover, once the 3 years eligibility timeframe lapses (starting from the first contract of settlement or occupancy permit), you will no longer be eligible.
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What if I pay my Council rates in instalments instead of a single payment?You need to pay your rates in-full for the financial year before you can apply for the rate reimbursement for that year.
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What if I have delayed paying my council rates?You will become eligible to apply for a rate reimbursement once your Rates are paid-in-full.