Landowners hopeful to resolve valuation issues soon

In 2019 the municipality changed the category under which these properties were listed in the municipal database from agricultural to residential, which brought about an increase in property taxes which many refused to pay in full. Despite several meetings between the municipality and landowners, the issue could not be resolved.

Following a meeting on Monday 8 January, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. About thirty landowners and representatives from estates such as Leopard Rock Country Estate and Verloren Estate attended a meeting at Sussenvale. Johan Bosman of Activa Valuation Services, Gerhardt Breytenbach, an attorney representing landowners, as well as James van Zyl of the Waterberg Business Chambers, also attended.

Activa was appointed by the municipality in September last year to compile the new valuation roll to be approved together with the municipality’s budget in July. Municipalities are compelled by the Municipal Property Rates Act to compile a new valuation roll every four years. The previous roll, compiled by a different company, contained many errors, according to residents.

Bosman assured landowners that all the affected properties’ categories have been changed back to agricultural, but that the values allocated to the properties need to be addressed. About 71 properties in the Sussenvale area were affected.

He encouraged residents to check their property valuations on the roll and contact him if there were any problems. “You are welcome to send me an e-mail. If we cannot resolve the problem via e-mail, the next step is to appeal,” he said. The valuers will not be able to visit all properties, as there are tens of thousands in the municipality. They make use of technology such as aerial photography, computer-assisted maps, building plans, and the price of other properties sold in the area. Visits will be done where these measures are not sufficient.

Breytenbach told landowners that the municipality should define the property categories better. He foresees that once that has been done, their properties will be reclassified again.

“A category especially for eco-lifestyle estates may be created. They are different from for example Koro Creek Gholf Estate, as they supply their own water and services,” he explained. “According to law, a landowner has to receive a notice from the municipality when the category changes,” he said.

Some of the landowners have accumulated substantial outstanding accounts, as they continued to pay property rates, but only the agricultural tariff. They are concerned about getting their clearance certificates if they want to sell their properties. This issue, Bosman said, could be addressed after July once the valuation roll has been approved.

Landowners, as well as residents in town, are encouraged to view the valuation roll and check their property values as well as which category they fall under. The value of their properties determines the rates payable to the municipality.