Joburg offers R2.9bn in property rate relief

The City of Johannesburg provided more than R2.9 billion in property rebates to at least 915 404 qualifying properties during the 2025/26 financial year, offering relief to households and other property owners facing municipal property-rate costs.

The rebates, covering the year from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, increased from the R2.7 billion recorded in 2024/25, according to the city.

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Residential property owners accounted for the largest portion, receiving about R2.3 billion in rebates. Pensioners who own residential properties received a further R329.8 million, benefiting an average of 38 908 households.

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Kgamanyane Maphologela, the director of communications and stakeholder management in the group finance department, says the legislation provides municipalities with a framework to grant property-rate exemptions and rebates to qualifying categories of owners.

“Through various rebates, the city continues to respond to the financial difficulties facing property owners by providing a much-needed buffer and relief through property rebates,” Maphologela said.

The rebates are available to property owners who meet specific legislative and policy requirements under the Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004.

Other categories also received rebates during the financial year, including education properties, which received R130.6 million for properties qualifying for a 25% rebate and R92.2 million for those qualifying for a 50% rebate.

Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons received R9.4 million, while the Expanded Social Package received R2.8 million and vacant land R2.7 million.

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Registered social landlords received R1.6 million, while high-density and heritage properties received R836 290 and R751 954 respectively.

The city says qualifying owners can apply for rebates covering categories including pensioners, child-headed households, heritage properties, social landlords, vacant land and certain industrial and development properties.

Maphologela gave caution that rebate applications will only be processed where the municipal account is not in arrears unless the customer has an approved payment arrangement or a dispute has been formally lodged.

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