By Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
In a significant announcement for property owners in Bulawayo, the city has unveiled a new General Valuation Roll, which reflects a notable appreciation in property values across various neighborhoods. This valuation roll is a crucial resource that compiles property information within the local authority’s jurisdiction, typically guiding property taxation and ratings.
Mayor Councillor David Coltart certified this new evaluation on July 2, 2025, emphasizing a more comprehensive approach to assessing property values. Unlike previous assessments that focused solely on land, the new process accounts for improvements and developments made to residential properties, providing a fairer market representation.
Property value hikes are evident across the city. For instance, a property located in Queens Park East has increased from ,000 to ,000, while homes in Burnside have appreciated significantly from 5,000 to 0,000. Kumalo and Woodlands properties now stand at 0,000, up from 0,000, and Luveve and Emganwini have seen valuations rise from ,500 to ,500. Even more impressive is Nketa, where properties have jumped from ,500 to ,500, and Cowdray Park homes from a modest ,500 to an encouraging ,500.
Miss Bongiwe Ngwenya, the local authority’s corporate communications officer, elaborated on the evaluation process, highlighting a detailed assessment that considers land size and market sales history. “It’s essential to evaluate the complete picture of a property,” she stated, underscoring that this assessment aims to be as comprehensive as possible, thereby benefiting both property owners and the council.
While many properties have seen an increase in value, Ngwenya noted that select areas, such as Makokoba and Iminyela, experienced reductions due to concerns from residents regarding previous overvaluations. For example, many one-bedroom houses in Makokoba were reevaluated to better align with the living conditions in that neighborhood.
The impact of these changes on local taxation is carefully managed. The council has pledged not to immediately adjust rates in the current budget, allowing residents to acclimate to the new valuation figures without substantial financial strain. “Currently, the new valuation roll will take effect in January 2026, but the council is working to keep the existing tariff steady,” Ngwenya explained.
Ultimately, this new valuation roll is designed not only to legitimize property values throughout Bulawayo but also to reflect the evolving conditions of the local real estate market. The initiative aims for equity, ensuring that all property owners are assessed fairly, supporting the growth and development of Bulawayo as a thriving municipality.
As this situation develops, local residents and prospective homebuyers are encouraged to stay informed and engage with city officials to maximize understanding of their property assessments.
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