Outa wrote to CoJ in June questioning the credibility of the valuation method used in the General Valuation Roll 2023 (GVR2023). It asked that the bills of more than 40,000 ratepayers, who have objected against the city’s valuation of their properties, be suspended until the objection process is finalised.
Outa, however, has said that it has yet to receive a response.
“It seems that the city has steamrolled ahead with unreasonable property valuation increases on top of the 2% property rates increase that came into effect in July 2023,” says Julius Kleynhans, Outa’s executive manager for social innovation.
“This has led to a public outcry, since South African consumers are already under massive financial strain. Property owners in Johannesburg are no exception.”
According to Outa's extended survey to determine property valuation increases by the city, Joburg residential property values have been increased by an average of 37%.
“This is way beyond reality and far from fair. Property market specialists have put the average property value increases in Joburg at 9% over the past five years. We need all property owners who have adversely been affected by the city’s valuations to please support this initiative and to sign the petition,” Kleynhans added.
Outa's petition calls on the mayor and city manager to:
The organisation indicated that it will aim to submit the petition by the end of August.
The petition is available here.
