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1. How does the city determine the assessed value of my property?

By state law, the assessed value of a property must reflect its current market value. For single-family homes, the City Assessor uses a sales comparison approach; that is, your property is compared to other similar properties that have recently sold prior to the January 1 date of assessment. The Assessor, for the purpose of valuation, groups properties with similar characteristics into logical "neighborhoods" also known as "study groups".

Sales in each "study group" are compared to the assessed values. After adjusting for differences between properties, these sales are used as a guide to determine the proper assessment for all other properties in the neighborhood. If sales prices in your "study group" increase, the market value of your property may also increase even though your property has not sold or otherwise changed.

For commercial properties, assessments are determined by a combination of methods, including the sales comparison approach described above, a construction cost approach, and most commonly an income approach. The income approach uses an analysis of relationship of rental income to market value sales price.

For all properties, the real estate assessments must reflect 100% of fair market value, as of January 1 per Virginia Code 58.1-3201.

2. How does the city maintain its property records?

Assessment office staff visits properties, reviews building permits, and consults sales data to keep our property records up to date.

3. May I compare my assessment to other properties?

Yes. Visit the Assessment Information Database to compare your assessment to other properties.

By Virginia law, real estate records are public information. The ability to see this information online makes it easy for property owners to validate their records, and compare assessments to comparable properties.

This website does not allow a name-based search of assessment records.

4. What should I do if I believe that my new assessment is incorrect?

First, consider whether your property could be sold for the assessed value. If you believe that you could not sell your property for an amount reasonably equal to the assessment, you may wish to file an appeal.

Second, check to see that the Assessor has your property described correctly by checking the Assessment Information Database. If the physical description is not correct, please call 703-248-5022 (TTY 711) or email the Assessment Office with the correct information. After the information is verified, the record will be changed. The updated information may or may not change the assessed value.

Third, check the assessments of properties located in your immediate area that have physical features similar to your own home. If they are not reasonably comparable, you may wish to file an a class="Hyperlink" target="_self" href="/731/Appeals-Process">appeal.