Several Connecticut municipalities have finished their periodic property revaluations, and homeowners are seeing dramatic assessment increases. West Hartford mailed new notices on Wednesday, showing an average residential value rise of 58.6% compared with the last revaluation five years ago. Plainville has already distributed its new assessments, prompting concern on social media.
Why assessments are soaring
State law requires towns to revalue properties on a regular schedule. The latest round coincides with a booming housing market. Local real‑estate professional Debbie Huscher of The Huscher Team explained that Connecticut’s median sales price has climbed sharply, while inventory has dropped 68%, reflecting strong demand for homes in the state.
What the numbers mean for tax bills
Higher assessments do not automatically translate into higher property taxes. Taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the municipality’s mill rate. West Hartford First Selectman Michael Pelton acknowledged that the new numbers can feel “a little scary,” but reminded residents that the town will likely adjust its mill rate downward to collect only the revenue needed for the budget.
“When the value goes up, the mill rate should come down because you only collect what we need to get the town budget,” Pelton said, adding, “Take a deep breath.”
How homeowners can respond
Officials advise property owners to review the information their town has on file to ensure accuracy. If a homeowner believes the assessment does not reflect the true market value, they can file an appeal through the local appeals board. Detailed instructions are typically provided with the assessment notice.
Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about the broader market trends that influence assessments. While a 50%+ increase may seem alarming, it mirrors the rapid appreciation of Connecticut homes over the past few years.
Community reaction
Social‑media comments have ranged from frustration to calls for investigation. One user wrote, “Way over the top,” while another asked NBC Connecticut Investigates to look into the spikes, noting that “nearly everyone’s property assessment has increased by over 50%.”
Local leaders stress that the revaluation process is designed to ensure fairness and reflect current market conditions, not to raise taxes arbitrarily. By adjusting the mill rate, towns aim to keep tax burdens stable even as property values climb.
Looking ahead
As more Connecticut towns complete their revaluations, similar assessment jumps are expected elsewhere. Homeowners should monitor their local government communications, verify their property data, and use the appeals process if they have legitimate concerns. The combination of a hot housing market and mandatory revaluations underscores the importance of staying engaged with municipal fiscal matters.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
