Nigel residents concerned about the rise of property valuations

Ratepayers will have to dig deeper into their pockets from July due to new property rates following the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) valuation roll.

“These increases are completely irrational as it is completely impossible for the value of properties to drastically increase during the lockdown and the current economic environment.

People have lost their jobs, businesses have closed their doors, salaries have been reduced, food and petrol prices have escalated and there is a real downturn in the economy. The housing market has depreciated and according to local estate agents, there is no way the value of properties has gone up in Nigel,” Aileen Ceronio, spokesperson of I Love Nigel, said.

Increases are believed to shock many residents who are unaware of the financial impact the new evaluation is going to have on households that are already being stretched to the limit. Residents advised that they have not received objection forms, which could have been disseminated with their monthly statements. Residents also want to know how the new valuation was compiled.

According to Zwele Dlamini, CoE spokesperson, the valuation roll started in June 2019, where data of all properties and sales was collected through physical property inspections, aerial photography and computer-assisted appraisal systems.

“I could not find a resident or business owner in Nigel who was visited by an evaluator appointed by the municipality. Residents are urged to visit the municipal offices to check their new valuations. If residents believe the valuation is incorrect, they should contest this as soon as possible. If objections are not lodged during the advertised objection period (before June 18), there is little prospect of having the municipal valuation amended afterwards,” Aileen added.

She suggested that a professional valuation is obtained to support objections.

“We have been fortunate in that a local estate agent has offered valuation services free of charge,” Aileen said.
Objections can also be done online.

Residents can contact Aileen Ceronio on 083 260 2957 for further information or assistance.