23 January 2023. Press release City
26 January 2023
Legislation requires municipalities to undertake a General Valuation (GV) every four years. The City of Cape Town initiated this process last year and the GV Roll will be ready for property owners in the metro to inspect from 21 February 2023. Objections must be submitted by no later than 30 April 2023. The GV determines what contributions property owners make to the rates account. Rates are used for shared services such as fire services, libraries, recreational areas and clinics. New rates will be implemented from 1 July 2023. Please see: www.capetown.gov.za/propertyvaluations
‘Property valuations are determined by professional registered valuers based on the market value of properties at a certain date. For GV2022, the valuation date is 1 July 2022. The accurate and fair market value is in most cases determined in terms of comparable sales information around the valuation date. We see many examples of estate agents advertising free valuations of properties in light of the GV; however, the GV is already based on market value of comparable properties, as required by legislation. Any reference to separate “municipal values” is incorrect.
Remember
Whether residents qualify for indigent support or indigent rates relief depends on monthly household income. Currently, if the total household income is R7 500 or less per month, residents could qualify for a discount on water, sewerage, electricity, waste collection and property rates.
Residents may qualify for indigent support if they:
- are a homeowner
- earn R7 500 or less per month
- own only one property
- are the full-time occupant of the home
- use the home mainly for residential purposes
- are a child who lives in the home of a parent who has passed away
- received the house in a divorce settlement
- depend on a pension or a social grant for their livelihood
Applicants will need:
- proof of identification (ID book/card or passport)
- a bank statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bank account
- a bond statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bond account
- a copy of the estate documents if the applicant has inherited his or her house
If residents are employed, they must also include:
- latest salary/wage pay slip or a letter from an employer stating their income
- a sworn affidavit if they are self-employed stating how much is earned per month
- proof of a disability grant, maintenance grant or pension is received
If residents are unemployed, they must include the following in the application:
- a sworn affidavit stating that they are unemployed
- a sworn affidavit stating that they have no other source of income
Useful contacts and information:
For rates or services relief
- Visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief or a City customer office.
- Email: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za
Pensioner rates relief
- Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants amounting to no more than R17 500 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%. They are invited to go to the nearest City customer care office or send an email to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za
- For more information on how to apply for pensioner support: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support
For payment arrangements
- Visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection
- Email: Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za For a list of the City’s Cash Offices and Walk-in Centres, please visit:https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres