Property owners granted second chance for GVR2023 objections. The City of Johannesburg is offering a second chance for property owners who missed the opportunity to object on the General Valuation Roll (GVR) 2023. They can now request that the municipality review their property valuation through a Section 78 query form.
This involves submitting a request to the municipality that a property has been inaccurately valued and asking for a re-evaluation. The GVR2023 objection period closed on May 5, 2023, after an extension. However, property owners can still query the value of their properties through the Section 78 query form.
"It should be noted that if a property owner has already objected to a property, a query on the same matter will not be considered," says Kgamanyane Maphologela, spokesperson for the City’s Group Finance Department.
Once a Section 78 query is submitted, the owner will receive notification of the outcome. Any changes made to a property during this process will also be reflected on the next supplementary roll, providing the property owner with an opportunity to formally object if they disagree with the query outcome.
Maphologela emphasises that only property owners who didn't previously object are eligible to submit a Section 78 query.
Queries can be lodged with the Valuations Administration Department at 66 Jorissen Street, Jorissen Place, 1st Floor East Wing. Property owners should provide the necessary evidence to support their submissions, following the conditions outlined in the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA).
"These conditions cover various situations, including properties that were incorrectly omitted, included, subdivided, consolidated, substantially changed in value, incorrectly valued, or require revaluation for exceptional reasons," he explains.
Maphologela adds that a Section 78 query can be lodged at any time during the Valuation Roll period if the property is not in other legal valuation stages, such as objection, appeal, or review.
"To submit a Section 78 query, property owners should provide comprehensive information, including details about the property, market evidence, improvements, building sizes, and any conditions affecting the value."
Optional but recommended attachments include motivated valuation reports from registered Valuers as of July 1, 2022, rent rolls (if applicable), building photos, and additional relevant information.
Interested parties or property owners can request a Section 78 query form via email at valuationenquiries@joburg.org.za or collect the form in person from Valuation Administration, 1st Floor, Jorissen Place, 66 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein.
“The completed form can be submitted through the same office. Upon lodging a Section 78 query, customers will receive a reference number for follow-up purposes," he says.
01/08/2023
