The City of Cape Town has undertaken two general property valuations during the past five years

19 April 2011

The City of Cape Town has undertaken two general property valuations during the past five years, the only metro in the country to do this. In doing so, it has ensured that property rates are more accurate in Cape Town – and thus fairer – because they are up-to-date and reflect the true value of any given property.

The Evidence: The City of Cape Town has improved its rates collection since 2006, all the way up to 96% for the last financial year. Rates make up 24% of the City of Cape Town’s income and pay for services such as the building and maintenance of roads and parks, plus the running of clinics and libraries, as well as fire, rescue and traffic services. Thus, the better one is able to collect rates, the more services one can provide. And, it is fair to say, a high collection rate is reflective not only of an efficient administration but a citizenry willing to pay, because they realise the value in it for them. Obviously, rates must be fair for both the ratepayer and the city. That is why the City of Cape Town implemented two general valuations during the past five years, the only city in the country to do so. This means that property rates are more likely to reflect the true value of a property in Cape Town than elsewhere because they are more up-to-date. In contrast to Cape Town, other metropolitans simply applied to extend the validity of their valuation rolls rather than perform fresh valuations, leading to less reliable rate determinations and less fairness for both parties. Special consideration is given to the poor in Cape Town, who can register for the City’s comprehensive indigent policy, the nature of which has been set out in this previous fact, but which entitles those who qualify to a rates rebate, among numerous other.

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