The general valuation roll (GVR) determines your property rates within a municipality. This changes every four or five years. Here’s a list of open GVRs, and a summary of what you should do about them.

Under the Municipal Property Rates Act, municipalities conduct a general valuation of all rateable properties every four to five years to ensure fair and accurate taxation. 

Several municipalities across the country are currently engaged in this process.  You can see a full list of open valuation roles here. 

The valuation process follows a structured timeline, beginning with the appointment of a municipal valuer, who assesses properties using market data, aerial imagery, and mass appraisal techniques. The compiled valuation roll is then published for public inspection, allowing property owners to review their valuations and lodge objections if they believe their property has been incorrectly assessed.

Municipal valuers process objections, and dissatisfied owners may appeal to the valuation appeal board. Once finalised, the valuation roll determines the property rates payable. Regular supplementary valuations account for changes such as new developments.

Understanding this process helps property owners ensure fair taxation and actively participate in their municipality’s financial planning.

Milestones in the general valuation roll (GVR) process are not fixed but are guided by the Municipal Property Rates Act. 

The key steps are as follows:

1. Valuer Appointment:  A valuer must be appointed by 1 July before the new valuation roll takes effect.

2. Valuation Roll Completion: The roll must be completed with valuations not older than 12 months before implementation.

3. Public Inspection Begins:  The valuation roll is certified and opened for public inspection, usually in February or March.

4. Inspection Period: The roll must be available for public review for at least 30 days.

5. Objection Review: The municipal valuer assesses and decides on objections after the inspection period.

6. Appeals Process: Property owners have 30 days to appeal an objection decision to the valuation appeal board.

7. Rates Payment During Appeals: Owners must pay rates based on the new valuation until appeals are resolved, with rebates for successful objections.

8. Valuation Roll for Rates: The roll determines property rates for the next four to five years.

9. Supplementary Valuations: Changes in property status trigger a supplementary roll, conducted at least once a year.

This process ensures a transparent, fair, and accountable property valuation system, allowing municipalities to calculate property rates effectively while enabling property owners to engage in the process and challenge inaccuracies where necessary.

Check on the link here to see if your municipality is currently updating its general valuation roll, and take action to prevent your property from being overvalued.