Property Activation Levy

From 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2022, the Property Activation Levy will apply to vacant land and ground floor non-residential buildings within a designated zone within the Darwin CBD. The purpose of the levy is to encourage property owners to activate their properties and revitalise the Darwin CBD. A map of the designated zone can be found in the activation and beautification information brochure.

The levy will apply annually at a rate of 2 per cent for vacant land and 1 per cent for unoccupied, non-residential, buildings based on the unimproved capital value of the property. For the purpose of the levy, a building is occupied if at least 50 per cent of the ground level area, that is suitable for exclusive possession, is occupied and being used for its intended purpose.

Property owners may reduce their liability to the levy by ensuring that their property is activated.

Property activation

Property owners that are subject to the levy may reduce their liability by activating their property. Property activation involves taking steps to ensure that the property contributes to overall amenity of the CBD and that the property is maintained to an adequate standard.

Commissioners Guideline: CG:PA:001 Activation of lots has been issued to provide guidance on steps an owner can take to activate their property.

Property owners may apply for an advanced opinion on a proposal to activate to ensure they can implement activation measures with certainty. Requests for opinions on proposals to activate can be lodged via email to ntrevenue@nt.gov.au