Suggestion 1 (simple method):

Look for sales of properties that are very similar to your property and also have the same negative factor (for example you both are on the same busy street).

• You can find sales on BC Assessment's website.
• The sale prices should indicate the value of your property with the negative factor.
• Compare your assessment to the sale prices:
  • If they are close, then your assessment is probably correct.
  • If your assessment is much higher than the sale prices, your assessment may be wrong.

Note: If your assessment is within 5% of the sale prices, then they are "close" and we probably would not reduce your assessment.
 

Suggestion 2 (more complex method):

Look for sales of properties that are very similar to your property except they do not have the negative factor that your property has.

• Their sale prices should indicate the approximate market value of your property (without considering the negative factor).
• Estimate how much the negative factor reduces your property value.
  • You can ask an appraiser or real estate agent to give their opinion (preferably in writing).
• Subtract the reduction for the negative factor from your approximate market value.  This is your estimate of the adjusted market value.
• Compare your assessment to your estimate of the adjusted market value:
  • If they are close, then your assessment is probably correct.
  • If your assessment is much higher than the estimate, your assessment may be wrong.

Note: If your assessment is within 5% of your adjusted market value, then they are "close" and we would probably would not reduce your assessment.