The City of Johannesburg has denied inflating rates in the valuation of properties.
Spokesman Gabu Tugwana said on Friday valuation was not determined by a certain percentage but by reviews, taking into account market sales data.
“The valuation rates are based on the market sales value from the last date (2008) of valuation up to the current date of valuation,” Tugwana said.
On Thursday, the Democratic Alliance accused the municipality of inflating the valuations rates.
“The sting, a painful one indeed, is that the valuations department now has not just inflated, but hyper-inflated property values... from 2008 to levels which bear not the least 1/8relation 3/8 to current market values,” said DA spokesman John Mendelsohn.
He said some properties had lost value, and people should not pay more than they are supposed to.
Tugwana said the objections to the valuations were often two-way. Some property owners objected to being under-valued and others object to over-valuation.
He said residents were more than welcome to bring their queries, backed by evidence, and the city had made an option for some to come in even on Saturdays.
“We undertake to investigate and consider each case individually and invite clients to visit our valuation department, on the 4th floor of the Metropolitan Centre (in Braamfontein).” - Sapa