However, homeowners would be the biggest winners with 63per cent to pay less rates.

The council is undertaking a review of its rating system, as flagged during a speech by Mayor Paul Klisaris in December.

Currently, the council charges rates based on land values, but it is considering changing to rates based on the capital improved value - that is, the value of the land, plus buildings.

It is still deciding whether to change to differential CIV, which distinguishes between residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Last week, the council sent a brochure explaining the rates review to residents.

To illustrate how much the different rating systems would cost, the council outlined rates for various types of buildings on four identical blocks of 800m2.

Unit owners would pay more under a new system (from $83 to $401-$433), but owners of a three-bedroom home would pay less (from $1001 to $802-$885).

Deputy mayor Charlotte Baines said the council was considering its options to ensure a fair rating system for all ratepayers. A decision will be made by December with any changes to start from the 2010-11 financial year.

Information sessions for residents will be held at 7pm at Mulgrave Community Centre (August 10), Monash Civic Centre (August 12), Oakleigh Seminar and Training Centre (August 13) and Mt Waverley Community Centre (August 17).

A session for commercial and industrial ratepayers will be held at 7pm on August 20 at the Monash Civic Centre.

Details: www.monash.vic.gov.au or the Monash rates hotline on 1300538892.