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Land Regularisation

Transforming Lives Through Land Ownership – Advancing the Vision of Joburg 2040 

Land Regularisation: Unlocking Ownership, Empowering Communities

The Joburg Property Company (JPC) is spearheading a groundbreaking Land Regularisation Programme that will transfer over 3,700 council-owned properties to qualifying residents over the next 3 to 5 years. This initiative is aligned with the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy (GDS), fostering inclusive growth, equity, and long-term sustainability.

What Is the Land Regularisation Programme?

Unique to the City of Johannesburg, this programme forms the backbone of a sustainable property economy. By fast-tracking the transfer of land to legitimate beneficiaries and releasing vacant sites via public tender, JPC is:

  • Empowering residents through legal ownership
  • ​Increasing private sector investment
  • Expanding the City’s rates and tax base

Key Focus Areas: Alexandra, Greater Soweto, Greater Orange Farm, Ivory Park and surrounding regions.

Programme Benefits


  • Legal transfer of land to residents
  • Verified and accurate asset register for the City
  • Incentives for investment in strategic areas
  • Increased compliance and revenue collection
  • Supports sustainable urban development under Joburg 2040

Background & Two-Phase Process

Since 2005, the JPC has led a two-phase process:

Phase 1: Property Audit

  • Identifies council-owned properties (vacant, occupied, shops, and farm portions)

Phase 2: Land Release Strategy

  • Transfers land to legal tenants
  • Identifies properties for public tender or municipal investment

Short-Term & Long-Term Goals

Short-Term Goals

  • Quantify and verify properties under City control
  • Update the City’s asset register
  • Validate the City’s legitimacy with ratepayers

Long-Term Vision

  • Develop and implement a clear land release strategy
  • Enable ownership and regulated access to land
  • Foster economic and social development in strategic precincts

Contribution to Joburg 2040

This initiative aligns with Outcome 2 of the Joburg 2040 GDS:

“Provide a resilient, liveable, sustainable urban environment.”

Land ownership is a critical enabler for:

  • Improved quality of life
  • Enhanced urban resilience
  • Sustainable infrastructure development
  • Reduced spatial inequalities