The City is preparing to introduce its no-cost property home-ownership transfer program, aimed at unlocking various opportunities for eligible beneficiaries.
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This initiative will enable City tenants to become owners of their rental units, among other benefits. An allocation of R38 million has been dedicated to driving this program over the next three years, with the goal of transferring title deeds at no cost.
According to the City’s Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Alderman James Vos, the City is preparing to launch an exciting project that will allow legal tenants of City-owned rental units, purchasers of delayed transfer units, and historic service sites to become homeowners at no cost.
He added, ‘This is yet another way that we are exploring all avenues that will position human settlement programmes as catalysts for meaningful economic growth in communities. Owning the title to one’s property is an important way to unlock opportunity and it also becomes an asset for generations to come.’
‘This renewed focus to enable opportunity for empowerment is part of the Mayor’s Priority Programme which aims to achieve approximately 22 000 no cost transfers over the next three years. We’ve allocated almost R38 million for this initiative.
‘There are approximately 7 500 City-owned rental units, 13 000 delayed transfer units and 1 400 historical serviced sites that could be eligible for this free title deed initiative,’ said Alderman Vos
Categories of properties and requirements
Legal City tenants in good standing currently occupying:
- Freestanding houses
- Semi-detached houses
- Terraced houses (row houses)
- Maisonettes
- Historic site and service units
- Delayed transfer units
The City’s No Cost Transfer Programme will cover the attorney transfer fees on behalf of the beneficiaries and set them at a fixed rate of R2 500 per property, regardless of the property’s purchase price. Additionally, the City will provide funding for insurance costs for saleable rental units, covering the period from the date of sale until the property’s registration.
‘We encourage residents to reach out so that they may become property owners. Please approach us by visiting the local housing office in your community or by contacting us via the Human Settlements Call Centre or via our WhatsApp line,’ concluded Alderman Vos.
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