2016 Assessments Mailed this Week

Residential and commercial property assessments are currently being mailed to property owners.

The 2016 assessment is based on the 2014 market year and will be used to determine property tax for the next three years.

The last assessed values were set in 2011.

Overall, property values have generally increased by an average of 16 percent for residential and 26 per cent for commercial properties, although the entire range of change is -1.83 per cent to + 107.7 per cent.

A range of factors are used to determine the assessed value of a property, including:

• Market prices at the base rate time (2014, for this evaluation)
• Neighbourhood prices through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
• A physical evaluation, conducted by City of St. John’s Field Workers and Assessors
• Area and property photography, gathered by the City’s Land Information Systems Division
• Building permits and major renovations or changes in property status (ie. a two apartment house changes to a one apartment; a commercial property is subdivided; etc.)
• Computer analysis of property factors
• Market analysis 

Property tax will be determined on December 14 when Council approves the 2016 mil rate as part of budget process. Property owners will receive their property tax bill in January, 2016.

Property owners can appeal their assessments and, if they choose to do so, should get the Notice of Appeal back to the Clerk of the Assessment Review Court within 30 days of receipt of the Assessment Notice. Instructions on how to appeal an assessment are included on the Notice. Individuals with questions about their assessment can contact the Assessment Office at assessment@stjohns.ca or 576-8929.