A general valuation of all immovable properties in the Endumeni Municipal area has recently been completed and will be implemented on July 1.
A general valuation was last done in 2011.
According to the Municipal Property Rates Act of 2004 as amended, the valuation roll of a municipality is valid for five years.
The new roll is available for public inspection from Monday, February 27 to Friday, April 7.
The new valuation rolls will be displayed at all libraries, cashiers’ officers and on the municipality’s web-site, being www.endumeni.gov.za.
In addition, all property owners will be sent letters informing them of the new valuation placed upon their property, as well as the category that their property has been placed into.
“Property owners are encouraged to peruse the valuation roll, and to check whether they are satisfied that the valuation placed upon their property is a true reflection of the estimated fair market value as at July 1, 2016.
“It is also important that owners ensure that their properties are placed in the correct categories according to the use thereof,” said Nic Bezuidenhout, Endumeni municipality’s Chief Estates Officer.

The results of the general valuation have shown that the valuations of some properties have increased considerably, while others have not increased by the same percentage.

“Should any property owner be dissatisfied with the valuation of their property, or the category of property it has been placed in, they are requested to complete the official objection forms and to submit the completed forms to the Municipality before April 7.”
The valuation and category of a property will eventually be used to determine the municipal rates the property will attract as from July 1, 2017.
This is done in the ‘cents in the Rand’ formula.
The results of the general valuation have shown that the valuations of some properties have increased considerably, while others have not increased by the same percentage.
“This is mainly due to the fluctuations in the property market, with certain types of properties like vacant land showing a bigger increase than improved land,” said acting municipal manager, Desi Padaychee, in a statement to the Courier.

‘Council is sensitive to, and understands that, any abnormal increases in property rates levies will impact negatively on the ability of ratepayers to afford such increases’

“This can be ascribed to supply and demand for these types of properties. It must be borne in mind that the percentage increase in the valuation of a property does not mean that the property rates due on such property will increase by the same margin. The specific rates tariffs levied by the Council on the different categories of properties will be adjusted to accommodate the increase in valuations, in such a manner that the percentage increase in property rates levied is more or less equal to the normal annual increase.”

Mr Padayachee said the ‘Council is sensitive to, and understands that, any abnormal increases in property rates levies will impact negatively on the ability of ratepayers to afford such increases in the current economic climate.’ ‘Any person requiring further information and assistance on the implementation of the new valuation roll is welcome to contact Nic Bezuidenhoudt or Mohamed Adam from the Endumeni Local Municipality at (034 212 2121 extension 2218/2267) during normal office hours, or by e-mail at nicb@endumeni.gov.za or mohamed@endumeni.gov.za