|
With land and upgrades included in its calculations, the City has improved
its valuations roll of properties in its jurisdiction. Residents can now expect
a rise in their rates payments.
The new valuations roll takes into account land and upgrades
(Photo: Solly van Staden)
T
HE market value of properties in Johannesburg has increased massively from
R49,9-billion in 2001 to over R600-billion in 2007, according to the City's
latest draft valuation roll.
Sectional title properties, of which there are an estimated 155 000 in
Johannesburg, have a value of approximately R87,1-billion.
There are about 826 000 registered property owners in the city, many of whom
can expect a rise in their property rates as a result of the improved valuation
system. This is based on the current market value of a property, with both land
and improvements included in the valuation.
However, Werner Sarvari, the valuation services director for the City,
pointed out that as a result of the huge increase in the rates base, the public
can expect a significant decrease in the rand rate used for calculations. At
present, the rate used is 0,1273 cents in the rand.
The rate in the rand to be used in determining the rates payable for 2008/09
will only be known in March or April next year, once the draft valuation roll
has been finalised and after the draft rates policy has been approved.
To determine the annual amount a property owner must pay in rates, the value
of the property is multiplied by the tariff. This is then divided into 12
instalments for the monthly amount that must be paid.
Rebates will be determined by the final rates policy and will be applied to
the formula when determining the annual rate. No automatic rebates will be
awarded. Instead, organisations and individuals who qualify for rebates must
forward a written request to the City.
Formal objections
A formal objection period is planned for
February 2008 to April 2008 so that issues can be sorted out before the draft
roll is finalised. The City will also hold seven meetings with
sectional title property owners in November
to resolve specific issues in
this sector.
The valuation roll was made available for public inspection and comment over
the last week, and Sarvari said comments have been streaming in. No comments
will be accepted after Friday, 1 November.
Property owners who have checked their current valuation details and believe
that their property has been incorrectly valued, should report this immediately
to the valuations services directorate by email, phone or fax.
Once the valuation roll and rates policy are finalised, objections will be
dealt with by the municipal valuer through a specific, legally determined
process.
The new valuation roll and rates policy will come into effect in July 2008.
The roll will be revised each year.
The contact details for queries and issues regarding the draft valuation roll
are:
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone:
011 375 5555 - select the option for rates policy and valuation roll
Comments on the draft rates policy must be submitted in writing to:
The
City Manager
PO Box 1450
Johannesburg
2000
Comment can also be faxed to 011 381 9642. However, correspondence by email
is preferred. Send this to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Enquiries
can be directed to the City's rates and taxes directorate by phoning its call
centre, Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 and selecting the option for rates
policy.
Related stories:
|
