The 2013 General Valuation Roll has been released for public inspection and comment since 20 February 2013. It will remain open for inspection until 3 May 2013. It is the responsibility of every property owner to check the municipal property valuations ascribed to their respective properties and if the valuation is not in line with market value, to submit an objection before 3 May 2013. Failure to do this will result in the value ascribed to your property pertaining for the duration of 2013 General Valuation Roll (which is 5 years). This means that for 5 years (from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2018) you will pay rates based on the higher property valuation.
WHAT IS MY CURRENT MUNICIPAL VALUTION, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Your municipal property valuation is reflected on the top right hand corner of your municipal statement. It is determined by the City’s Valuations Department based on generally accepted valuation principles. Your rates are calculated according to your property valuation. If your property valuation is higher than market value, you will be charged excessive rates.
WHAT IS THE 2013 GENERAL VALUATION ROLL AND WHERE DO I FIND IT?
The 2013 General Valuation Roll is a database of all properties in Joburg. Every property is given a value by the City’s Valuation Department. In some instances, you can check your property valuation online on the City’s E-services website, by logging in using your account number and pin (which appear on your municipal statement). If the roll that your property is on is not available online, you can inspect it at the COJ’s offices in Braamfontein, or you can email valuationequiries@joburg.org.za for more information.
The COJ should give you notice if your property is appearing on the 2013 General Valuation Roll. If you have received notice that your property is on the roll, you should determine immediately whether you are satisfied with the municipal valuation accorded to your property. If you are not, you will have to object. Not receiving notice does not absolve a property owner from the responsibility for inspecting the roll and objecting on time. So regardless of whether you receive notice or not, you should still check the roll.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY PROPERTY VALUATION IS NOT IN LINE WITH MARKET VALUE?
If you are of the opinion that your municipal property value is higher than market value, you can lodge an objection with the COJ, giving reasons. The COJ will then assess your objection, and notify you of the outcome. If the COJ finds that your objection is valid, it will revalue your property in line with your objection. If it finds that your objection is not valid, it will advise you of same and your property valuation will remain unchanged. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the objection, you can appeal to the Valuations Appeal Board.
Contact Chantelle Gladwin of Schindlers at Gladwin@schindlers.co.za for assistance in checking the roll, obtaining valuations, and lodging objections.
