Assistant Commissioner of Rating & Valuation Mimi Brown says the newly declared Valuation List & Government Rent Roll for 2006-07 will be available for inspection later this month, adding flat owners in some popular private housing estates will see a greater rise in their rates bills.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mrs Brown said rates bills will be sent to property owners in late March. Since rateable values increased in the latest revaluation exercise, most property owners will see an increase in their rates bills.

The rise varies with property rents, locations, sizes and popularity. Flats owners in some popular private housing estates such as Tai Koo Shing, South Horizons and Whampoa Garden will see a rise ranging from 13% to 15%.

However, flat owners in some old residential buildings with fewer facilities will see minor changes in their rates bills.