Property File Request Fee
Customer Services
From 1 July, Council will introduce a new fee of $45 for property file requests. This change moves the service from a rates-funded model to a user-pays model, introducing partial cost recovery and reducing reliance on general rates funding. The new fee was approved by Council as part of the Draft Fees and Charges on 25 March 2026.
Council currently processes more than 4,000 property file requests each year. Introducing this fee will help maintain current service levels and support the ongoing digitisation of property records and files. The fee is consistent with charges already in place at the majority of neighbouring councils across Otago and Southland.
Key information:
- Property file requests will cost $45 from 1 July
- Drainage plans only will continue to be provided free of charge
- Requests must be made online or in person at a Council Service Centre
- Payment must be made in advance - invoices will not be issued
The new fee will be built into the property file request form, found HERE
