Data collection for Polokwane’s new valuation roll in process
A municipal valuation roll merely records all the properties within the municipal area and forms the basis for the levying of property rates.
POLOKWANE – A contractor has been appointed to compile the city’s new valuation roll that will be effective from July 1, 2024 and has started with data collection.
Communications and marketing manager of the municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo confirmed that according to legislation, the new roll has to be compiled at least six months before implementation. The roll applies for five years.
A municipality may, however, decide to compile a general valuation roll more frequently. “Residents are requested to grant access to the new data collectors and further information will be communicated soon,” Mothapo said.
Supplementary valuation rolls are compiled during the lifespan of the current roll when amendments to the status of properties such as subdivisions, consolidations and changes in land use take place.
The valuation of a property on the municipal valuation roll is done by a professional valuer and may be executed without even physically visiting the property, especially where properties in the same development are very similar in size and other characteristics and aerial images can be utilised. These valuations are entirely automated based on semi-recent sales statistics. They take none of a property’s unique characteristics into account and can be hundreds of thousands of rand off a realistic market value.
A municipal valuation roll merely records all the properties within the municipal area and forms the basis for the levying of property rates. Each property value is linked to its market value, which is a determinant of the rates payable by each owner.
The rates payable is then calculated by utilising a formula that takes the municipal value and the tariff (cents per rand of valuation) as a basis. The tariff is revised every year when the budget is compiled and an increase or decrease in the tariff will then determine the actual amount of assessment rates levied.
It is therefore not uncommon when a new valuation roll with new values is introduced, that the tariff may decrease but a higher income be obtained by the municipality due to an increase in municipal values.
Once the general valuation roll is completed, it will be open for inspection and objections awaited. The objections will be entertained by the municipal valuation board and there is also an opportunity to lodge appeals. Owners of land are advised to take note of the processes that will be published on the municipality’s website and in the media.
