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Property Revaluation Analysis

Is Your Connecticut Property Revaluation Fair? Here's What You Can Do

Imagine this: you retrieve your mail on a typical afternoon, sifting through the usual flyers and bills, when an official-looking envelope catches your eye. It's from your town's assessor's office. With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, you open it to discover your property's newly assessed value. 


For some homeowners, this "new value" brings a sense of accomplishment—perhaps those renovations paid off. But for others, it's a source of confusion and concern because of the new property tax bill cost that will follow. "How could my home's assessed tax value have climbed so high?" you wonder. “The upcoming year’s tax bill will be quite larger than this years,” you start to worry.


If you're feeling unsettled by this unexpected assessment, you're not alone, and more importantly, there's something you can do about it.

Understanding Property Revaluation Analysis and Property Tax Assessment

Every five years, Connecticut homeowners receive a notice in the mail informing them of their property's new assessed value. This is part of the state's effort to conduct property tax re-evaluations, ensuring that property values on file accurately reflect the current market. If the real estate market has improved, your home's value may have increased, allowing the state to collect more in property taxes. 

While a higher home value is generally a positive sign for homeowners, it also means your property taxes will go up. This is beneficial for the state but not necessarily for homeowners who receive a higher bill. If you believe your new value is incorrect or overestimated, there's a possibility of a lower assessment if you take the right steps. Read on to understand more about making a property tax appeal for your Connecticut home.

The Mass Appraisal Method: How It Affects You

Connecticut uses a method called mass appraisal to reassess property values across the state. Instead of evaluating each property individually, this approach assesses properties collectively based on general data like: 


  • Recent sales of similar homes
  • Current construction costs including home replacement costs
  • The cost of rent for homes in the area 
  • Overall housing market trends


While efficient, this method doesn't always accurately account for the characteristics of your home. As a result, your assessed tax value might not appropriately reflect your property's true worth.

The Double-Edged Sword of Increased Property Value

On one hand, a higher home value indicates that your investment is growing—a boon if you're considering selling your property. On the other hand, it means your property taxes will increase proportionally. 


Property taxes in Connecticut are calculated based on two main factors: the assessed value of your home (aiming to be 70% of its fair market value) and the local tax rate, known as the mill rate. An inflated assessment on the fair market value of your home means you're paying more than your fair share in property taxes.

Taking Action: How to Challenge Your Property Assessment

Feeling that your property's assessed value is unfair isn't just a gut reaction—it's a call to action. Connecticut provides homeowners with a structured process to appeal their property assessments. It's all about saving money and ensuring fairness.

Appraiser recording notes on phone during home inspection

Scrutinize Your Revaluation Notice

When that letter arrives, don't toss it into a drawer. Give it a thorough read. Check for accuracy in your property's details. Is the number of bedrooms and bathrooms correct? Does it list a finished attic you don't have? Errors here can significantly inflate your assessed value. Spotting them early is crucial.

Request an Informal Review

Before jumping into a formal appeal, consider an informal meeting with the assessor's office. Think of it as a friendly chat to clear up any misunderstandings. Prepare your evidence—bring along photos of your property, records of recent repairs needed, or comparisons with similar homes in your area. A respectful approach can go a long way in resolving issues quickly.

File a Formal Appeal if Necessary

If the informal route doesn't yield satisfactory results, you may consider filing a formal appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA). While the deadline for submitting and appeals was in late February this year, it's worth checking with your local assessor's office for any additional opportunities or extensions that might be available. Some municipalities may offer supplemental appeal periods or have provisions for extraordinary circumstances. Additional information on New Haven's BAA office can be found here.


To prepare for a formal appeal, gather supporting documents like independent appraisals, comparative market analysis, and photographic evidence showcasing aspects of your property that might demonstrate it should have a lower value. Even if you have to wait until the next assessment cycle, having this information ready will put you in a strong position.

Consider Professional Help

Sometimes, bringing in the pros can make all the difference. Hiring a certified appraiser, like those at CityWide Property Appraisals, provides an unbiased valuation of your property. Consulting a property tax professional can guide you through the appeal process, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines. In complex cases, an attorney specializing in property tax law might be beneficial.

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The Benefits of a Fair Assessment

Challenging an inaccurate property assessment isn't just about reducing your tax bill—it's about fairness. A correct property tax assessment ensures that you're paying taxes based on the true value of your home, not an inflated estimate. Over time, the savings from a successful appeal can be significant, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars over the years until the next revaluation.

We're Here to Support You Every Step of the Way

At CityWide, we understand that dealing with property assessments and taxes can feel overwhelming. That's why we're dedicated to helping homeowners navigate the revaluation and appeals process with confidence. Our team of experienced, certified appraisers offers accurate valuations, providing detailed, professional appraisals that reflect your property's true market value. We offer expert guidance, from understanding your revaluation notice to preparing for an appeal, and we're here to answer your questions. Every New Haven property is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.


Don't let an inflated assessment dictate your financial future. Reach out to us, and let's work together to ensure your property taxes are fair and reflective of reality. After all, you've worked hard for your home—let's make sure it works for you.

Ready to work with CityWide Property Appraisals?

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Send us a message and we’ll be in touch. 

Or give us a call today at 475-338-3320

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