Property owners have two months to review and object to the new valuation roll, which will determine rates from July.

Opened to public inspection last Friday, the general valuation roll (GVR) includes about 51 000 properties across the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM), with a combined value of R102-billion.

KDM mayor Siduduzo Gumede received the GVR and said it reflects the municipality’s rapid development over the last four years, while vowing to balance financial sustainability with protections for vulnerable households.

The roll gives a market value to each property, based on research by municipal valuer Abubaker Rahim and his team. This information will be used to determine rates payable once council finalises its rates policy during annual budgeting at the end of March.

The roll can be inspected at the civic buildings and the General Justice Mpanza Building in KwaDukuza, Nokukhanya Luthuli House in Ballito, local municipal libraries and on the municipality’s website.

The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) urged residents to carefully check their property details.

“We strongly encourage all property owners to inspect the roll to verify that their valuation reflects a fair market value, as well as the correct property category, extent and description, all of which play a role in determining the rates you will pay,” said Docrra COO Mary Kassam.

She said they have placed a comprehensive set of resources on their website, including links to the valuation roll, the objections e-portal and the prescribed Form A, to guide residents on when and how to object if necessary.

According to the association, residents should compare their valuation with sales of similar properties in their estate or street around July 1 last year, which is when the current valuation cycle closed. Values are based strictly on what properties were worth on that day and will remain in place for the next four-year cycle, even if market prices change afterwards.

Owners are also advised to check their property category, as different tariffs apply. Residential properties pay a base rate, while business and commercial properties may pay more.

Vacant land is often rated higher and unauthorised business use can attract penalties. Sectional title owners must submit separate objections for each unit if required.

Objections must be lodged within the 60-day period and must relate to a specific property. Supporting evidence such as Lightstone reports, estate agent analyses or professional valuations may strengthen a case.

Once the objection window closes on April 15, the valuations will remain in effect unless amended through a supplementary process.

Residents are encouraged to act early and obtain proof of submission before the deadline.

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