Rates & utilities
Budgeting for council rates
Council rates are predictable, which makes them one of the easiest costs to budget for - if you normalise them to a weekly amount rather than meeting them quarterly as a lump.
The simple method
Take your annual council rates total and divide by 52. Set that weekly amount aside and the quarterly instalment is already funded when it arrives.
Allow for changes
Rates change each year with valuations and council budgets. Review the annual notice when it arrives and adjust your weekly set-aside if the total has moved.
Frequently asked questions
How do I budget for council rates?
Divide your annual rates by 52 and set the weekly amount aside. HOLD does this automatically and shows the quarterly instalment in your upcoming bills.
Last reviewed: 19 August 2026
