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Viewing Issue H

My improvement assessment went up, but my property did not change

Look at your total assessment, including land and improvements. Do you think the total assessment is more than what your property was worth?

Note: you should look at the market value as of July 1 last year.

Yes

There may be a problem with your assessment.  We recommend you look for stronger evidence by reviewing market value using common methods.

If you just look at your improvement assessment, you probably will not succeed:

  • You are taxed on the total assessment (both land and improvements).  If you appeal, we will concentrate on your total assessment.
  • It is possible that the assessed value of your house is too high.  But, it is also possible that your land value is too low.

You have finished evaluating this issue.
 

Note on improvement values:

Sometimes improvement values can go up, even if the buildings stay complete the same.

  • This can happen when the costs to build houses increase.  Buyers may then pay more for older improvements.
  • Your assessment should be at your property's market value.  If real estate values increase, you should expect your total assessment to increase.  When BC Assessment allocates this total value to land and improvements, both may increase.
No

You do not think your total assessment is too high (or above its market value).  We would not reduce your assessment because we must look at the total assessment.

  • You are taxed on the total assessment (both land and improvements).
  • It is possible that the assessed value of your house is too high.  But, it is also possible that your land value is too low.

You are finished evaluating this issue. 

Note:  It is completely up to you if you appeal your property assessment.  We hope this Guide has helped you decide.

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