Council resolved at its April 2023 Ordinary Council meeting to commence the process of the sale of land to recover unpaid rates and charges by selling any land that has been outstanding for the legislated period of five years or more.  The sale process is defined by the Local Government Act (1993) - Section 713.    The sale of properties is regarded as a last measure to be undertaken only after other debt recovery options have been exhausted.  Council has abided by all legislative requirements in this process.  

There was an original number of 72 properties identified, however as of November 2023, 42 properties remained eligible for sale of land under s713.  Some of these properties are uninhabited, and/or owned by businesses rather than individuals.  All affected property owners have been advised that if their outstanding debt is paid in full before the auction date set for their property’s sale, they will be removed from the sale list. Owners can settle overdue amounts up until the auction date.  Council has expressed a firm preference for the settlement of all outstanding debts before the scheduled property auction date.  

Council expects the number of properties currently listed for auction to be reduced, as Council representatives continue to work with property owners, including undertaking personal visits to engage with ratepayers directly, gaining a deeper understanding of individual financial situations and discussing viable options for payments.  

Central Coast Council has a financial hardship policy and acknowledges that some ratepayers can’t pay promptly because they are experiencing financial hardship.  However, the properties that are being included in the current Sale for Rates process are properties that have significant outstanding unpaid rates and charges for the legislated period of five years or longer.   It should be noted Council has not taken action against properties owned by pensioners or other owners who are experiencing short term difficulty.  
 
Auction dates are set for end of February 2024, and will be undertaken by an appointed auctioneer who will manage all valuing, marketing and auctioning of the properties still listed for auction.  Any property that is not sold at auction will be sold by private treaty.

For any questions regarding the Central Coast Council sale of land for unpaid rates, please reach out to the sales agent.

Contact Sales Agent - Samantha at Brand Property.
Ph: 02 4396 1000
Ph: 0410 660 797
Email: samantha@brandproperty.com.au 
https://brandproperty.com.au/