The City of Cape Town’s Valuation Department will over the next few months intensify its ongoing programme of visiting properties across the city to collect property information by sending out additional data collectors and valuers.

In accordance with the mass appraisal principles used by the City, the size and physical attributes of properties need to be taken into account when determining the rateable value of a property.

This physical data and sales figures form the basis for the property valuations, therefore the City collects and stores data on a continuous basis to ensure that its valuations are accurate and based on the most up-to-date information.

Christopher Gavor, Director: Valuations, said: “The City has a dedicated team of data collectors that continuously visit properties across the city to update property data, but we are increasing our focus on physical data collection by sending additional collectors and valuers to inspect properties”.

The data collectors and valuers will collect information such as size, the number of dwellings and any alterations that have been made to the property and will also measure all structures. An inspection will take around 20 minutes, but is dependent on the size and complexity of the property.

“ I can re-assure residents that thorough background checks have been carried out on all data collectors and they must display their identification cards at all times,“ Gavor said.

Gavor urged residents to assist the data collectors in their task. “Data collectors will not enter properties without the occupant or a representative being present, and the occupant or a representative needs to sign the data collection document. If nobody is available when they visit, a call-back card will be left. I ask residents to please cooperate and call the number provided on the call-back card to arrange for a re-inspection.”

“ The intensified programme forms part of an ongoing business improvement initiative that strives to improve the quality of the valuations through accurate data. The City has also taken cognisance of the recommendations contained in the report of the International Property Tax Institute, improvements proposed by various audits as well as feedback and information received from the public during the recently concluded valuation exercise”, Gavor added.

The information collected will not affect any aspect of the General Valuation Roll of 2009, but will be used for the production of the Supplementary Valuation Rolls and as input for the next General Valuation Roll.

For more information please contact the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 or visit the City’s website www.capetown.gov.za.