Property sector welcomes landmark judgment against Cape Town tariffs

Source: Supplied. Justin Thom, director at Galetti Corporate Real Estate.

While the judgment introduces short-term uncertainty around municipal revenue planning, Thom believes it ultimately reinforces confidence in the city’s governance and legal frameworks.

He notes that the decision provides relief to property owners and highlights the importance of fair, transparent pricing, while ensuring the municipality maintains its reputation as a leading investment destination.

“The Court declared that the fixed charges linked to property values, such as cleaning, water and sanitation were unlawful and that these must be removed by 30 June 2026,” says Thom. “If upheld, this should bring some measure of relief to property owners, particularly as Cape Town is home to some of the continent’s most expensive property.”

Industry advocacy matters

Thom also commended the South African Property Owners’ Association (Sapoa) for its role in the matter, noting its importance in safeguarding the interests of property owners: “This highlights Sapoa as an industry body willing to step in where tariffs begin to resemble property-linked taxes rather than usage-based charges.”

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He says Cape Town is undeniably one of the most functional municipalities in South Africa, responsible for providing consistent service delivery and infrastructure investment while focusing on development: “The City has been run like a business, and it works. This model has seen Cape Town maintain its status as a leading investment destination, so often reflected in global accolades showered on the City.”

However, he says attracting international investment, alongside increased semigration and short-term rental activity could risk making the region unaffordable for the South African buyer: “The City is considering its legal options and reviewing future tariff structures, and any adjustments will need to balance affordability while preserving the revenue base required to sustain ongoing infrastructure investment.”