The City of Johannesburg is introducing a significant financial incentive for property owners who choose to pay their municipal property rates in advance.
The new Rebate for Advance Settlement of Municipal Property Rates forms part of the City’s approved 2026/27 Budget, Tariffs and Property Rates Policy and takes effect from 1 July 2026.
Under the new policy, qualifying property owners will receive a 10% rebate on their municipal property rates if they settle their projected annual rates account in full before the start of the financial year.
The incentive is being introduced alongside a modest 3.6% property rates increase for the 2026/27 financial year, lower than the 4.6% increase implemented during the previous financial year.
“The City remains committed to finding practical ways to support residents while strengthening financial sustainability. This rebate provides direct savings to property owners who are able to settle their rates account in advance and forms part of a broader package of relief measures approved by Council,” said Kgamanyane Maphologela, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement in Group Finance.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA
Property owners wishing to benefit from the Advance Settlement Rebate must meet the following requirements:
- Applications must be submitted at least three months before the commencement of the financial year.
- Late applications may be considered on merit.
- Properties subject to valuation objections or appeals may qualify for provisional approval.
- Properties with active legal action, defaulted payment arrangements or illegal service connections will not qualify.
SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The City has also enhanced support measures for public schools.
Public schools classified as Quintiles 1, 2 and 3 may qualify for a rebate of up to 50% on qualifying charges. To benefit, schools must ensure that their municipal accounts are not in arrears or must have an active payment arrangement in place with the City.
This rebate will remain linked to the duration of the applicable General Valuation Roll.
KEEPING REBATES ACTIVE
The City reminds all beneficiaries that approved rebates are subject to continued compliance with municipal account obligations.
“Recipients of all municipal rebates, including pensioner rebates, heritage rebates and Expanded Social Package benefits, must keep their municipal accounts in good standing. Failure to honour payment obligations or payment arrangements may result in the immediate withdrawal of benefits,” said Maphologela.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible property owners may obtain and submit application forms through the following channels:
- The City of Johannesburg website
- Any City Customer Service Centre
- Email request to: ratescomments@joburg.org.za
For further enquiries: 66 Jorissen Street,Jorissen Place
Braamfontein.
Tel: 0860 562 874
Email: ratescomments@joburg.org.za
Issued by:
Kgamanyane Maphologela
