RESIDENTIAL Property Revaluations – some points that should counter any proposed increases that our municipality is seeking.
1. The proposed revaluation, plus a rate randage increase of 6.7 per cent plus the increases in water, power and refuse removal would increase our monthly cost by over 20 per cent year on year – unacceptable. Furthermore – any rate randage factor above the 0.0976 is unacceptable.
2. Property prices have stagnated in the past year or two due to high crime in this area, forcing owners to pay extra each month for boomed control points, armed response plus foot patrols and residents doing neighbourhood patrols daily – at our own cost – all of which is not claimable from SARS. What about the high rates and taxes we pay which is supposed to keep crime under control? Recent home invasions and related trauma have forced some residents to put their properties on the market.
3. Another factor is continual water pipe bursts in our area – since November 2016 no less than 12 bursts reported – ref numbers are available. Then the restitution of chasms dug takes forever often requiring owners to mail relative council department to get the job done, and then very poorly, and the site is never cleaned up afterwards requiring a further chase up by mail.
4. Furthermore – roads are poorly repaired as potholes re-appear often within a few days. Takes weeks to finalise. Some never.
5. A further factor which will have a negative effect on property prices: the junk status – resulting from our government’s performances affecting the exchange rate which in turn has further pushed up the cost of living, thus impacting on selling prices – and already noticed new people putting their homes on the market – three new ones in our area just this week alone.
6. Add to the above also due to government performance – exchange rates between May 2012 and May 2017 have weakened with USD by 75 per cent, Euro by 40 per cent and British pound by 47 per cent – and our cost of living keeps rocketing.
Mike D
Cowies Hill
