Property values across Connecticut have changed considerably over the past several years. For homeowners, these updates can have a meaningful impact on assessed values and future property tax bills. With 33 Connecticut towns completing their 2026 revaluations, now is a good time for property owners to understand what these changes mean and what options are available if they believe their new assessment is inaccurate.
What Is a Property Revaluation? Connecticut municipalities are required to conduct a general property revaluation at least once every five years. The goal is to bring property assessments in line with current real estate market conditions and ensure a fair distribution of the local tax burden. During a revaluation, properties are evaluated using factors such as recent comparable sales, location, land size, home size, condition, and other property characteristics. In Connecticut, residential properties are assessed at 70% of their estimated fair market value as of the revaluation date. Recent Connecticut Revaluations 2026 revaluation towns include: Ansonia, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Colchester, Columbia, Cornwall, East Hartford, East Haven, East Lyme, Easton, Enfield, Farmington, Griswold, Groton, Guilford, Hartford, Hebron, Killingworth, Lisbon, Manchester, Middlefield, Montville, New Haven, Newtown, Orange, Plainville, Portland, Salem, Trumbull, Vernon, Waterford, West Hartford, Westbrook. West Hartford West Hartford's 2026 revaluation revealed significant appreciation in residential property values compared with its previous 2021 revaluation. According to the town's November 2026 announcement, residential property values increased by approximately 58.6%, while condominium values increased by 57%. These figures reflect changes in market values, not necessarily equivalent increases in property tax bills. New assessments are expected to affect tax bills beginning in June 2027. Does a Higher Assessment Mean Higher Property Taxes? Not necessarily. A higher assessed value does not automatically translate into an equivalent increase in property taxes. Property taxes are calculated by multiplying a property's assessed value by the municipality's mill rate. When property values increase across an entire town, the mill rate may be adjusted to account for the larger taxable grand list and the municipality's budget. As a result, a homeowner's tax bill depends not only on how much their property's value increased, but also on how that increase compares with other properties in town and how the mill rate changes. The important question is whether the property's new assessment accurately reflects its fair market value.
How Can Homeowners Appeal Their Property Assessment? If you believe your new assessment is too high, Connecticut provides a process for challenging the municipality's valuation.
Here are the basic steps: 1. Review Your Assessment Compare your new assessment with recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. Consider your property's size, condition, features, and any factors that may affect its market value.
2. Contact the Assessor's Office Many towns offer informal review meetings following a revaluation. These provide an opportunity to discuss your assessment and identify potential errors before pursuing a formal appeal.
3. File a Formal Appeal If the issue cannot be resolved informally, homeowners can file an appeal with their local Board of Assessment Appeals. For the 2026 revaluation cycle, the general statutory filing deadline is February 20, 2027, unless the municipality receives an extension.
4. Provide Supporting Evidence An appeal should be supported by market evidence, including comparable home sales and an accurate assessment of the property's condition and characteristics. An independent real estate appraisal can provide professional documentation of fair market value and help support your position. If the Board of Assessment Appeals does not provide a satisfactory resolution, further legal action through Connecticut Superior Court may be an option.
How an Independent Appraisal Can Help A municipal assessment is an estimate of value prepared for taxation purposes. An independent residential appraisal provides another perspective by examining the property's specific characteristics and analyzing comparable sales and market conditions. For homeowners considering an assessment appeal, a professional appraisal can help establish an independently supported opinion of market value and identify potential discrepancies in the town's valuation. Homeowners should take the time to review their new assessments rather than assuming the updated values are automatically correct.