What are municipal rates?

Author
MyProperty
South Africa's #1 independent property portal

If you are buying a freestanding property you will be charged monthly for municipal rates and taxes. This charge covers the services provided by your local municipality such as sewerage facilities, roads maintenance, street light maintenance and refuse collection.

Property questions?
Get quick answers about buying, selling, renting, and more from our AI powered real estate bot
General Property News
Property Prices Maintain Positive Momentum as Regional Recovery Broadens
Market & Opinion
Property Prices Maintain Positive Momentum as Regional Recovery Broadens
19 Sep 2025
South Africa’s housing market continued to build on its steady recovery in August 2025, with the latest FNB House Price Index (HPI) showing the fastest annual growth in more than three years. Despite muted mortgage lending, demand resilience, shifting buyer preferences, and regional momentum are underpinning the positive trend.
read more
Mastering Dynamic Pricing Can Drive 30% Annual Returns for Short-Term Rentals
Market & Opinion
Mastering Dynamic Pricing Can Drive 30% Annual Returns for Short-Term Rentals
08 Sep 2025
As more people look to visit Cape Town for work, recreation, or tourism, the short-term rental (STR) market offers broad residential investment prospects.
read more
Africa’s Wealth Boom: What It Means for South Africa’s Property Market
Market & Opinion
Africa’s Wealth Boom: What It Means for South Africa’s Property Market
27 Aug 2025
Africa’s millionaire population is set to soar by 65% over the next decade, according to the newly released Africa Wealth Report 2025 by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth. This rapid growth is reshaping the continent’s economic map — and South Africa, with its thriving high-end real estate sector, stands to benefit significantly.
read more
How low-income South Africans can finance and qualify for a home loan 
Market & Opinion
How low-income South Africans can finance and qualify for a home loan 
22 Aug 2025
Buying a first home in South Africa is doable on a modest income, if you use the right tools: a realistic affordability plan, the right loan product, and (often) a once-off government subsidy that can cover your deposit and costs. This guide walks you through every step, with current rules and rates.
read more
Real Estate Tools
Get pre-qualified
Make offers with confidence knowing what you can afford. Then shop for the best home loan
Bond Calculator
Calculate the estimated repayments on a home loan and savings with extra payments
Residential
House
Townhouse
Apartment, Penthouse
Retirement Village
Vacant Land
Agricultural
Farm
Small Holding
Vacant Land
Commercial
Office, Retail, Mixed Use
Industrial
Vacant Land
Hospitality