As president of a group representing over 200 homeowners at Countryview Estates in Tiverton, Al Affonso is in a unique position to hear from many of his neighbors regarding the town’s property revaluation notices that were mailed in mid-April.

Countryview is an over-55 community whose residents own manufactured homes situated on leased land. On average, Countryview homeowners saw their recent property assessments increase by about 45 to 48 percent. Affonso said most have opted not to meet with the revaluation company for clarification but instead are taking a wait-and-see approach until the town’s new tax rate is established.

“People are certainly surprised that their house went up in value in some cases by almost 50 percent, but for the most part, they are paying attention to the town’s message that said they shouldn’t use the current tax rate ($14.90) to figure out their new tax bill.”

Town officials estimate the new tax rate will be roughly $11.08 per $1,000 of valuation, but they emphasize that number is preliminary and may change before June 30, the deadline for the town council to formally adopt a combined municipal and school budget for FY 2024-25. 

The latest statistical update, completed by Northeast Revaluation Group, LLC (aka Catalis), reflects the estimated fair market value of all Tiverton properties as of Dec. 31, 2023. The numbers are based on sales activity in the 12 to 18 months prior to that date, and many properties, including those at Countryview, have appreciated significantly in that timeframe.

“Most houses go relatively quickly now,” Affonso said, citing the example of a neighbor’s home that, after going on the market, sold in 72 hours for $315,000; a 66 percent increase over its 2020 selling price of $190,000.

He added that the majority of his neighbors are retired and on fixed incomes. He points to the 2020 revaluation, when Countryview assessments increased 35 percet on average and resulted in what he said was a disproportionate tax increase when compared to the rest of the town.

“I hear the news, and I know housing prices have gone up, but if you look at the numbers, you will see the amount our house assessments have increased has been incredible in the last six years.”

Buildable versus unbuildable

In another part of town, Patrick Bowen was jolted by last month’s revaluation notice showing the assessment on a .125 acre undeveloped waterfront lot he owns at 701 Seapowet Avenue had increased 10-fold.

“The assessment has been $33,100 for the last three years. When I opened the notice, it said $392,000. It’s crazy.”

Bowen spoke with tax assessor David Robert and also requested an informal hearing with the revaluation company. Since that time, a review of records shows the number has since been adjusted to $196,300 — an amount that Bowen said seems more reasonable.

Robert said the higher values for undeveloped lots in town reflects a change in the classification of certain lots from unbuildable to buildable. The town must have documentation that a parcel of land is not buildable, he said. If that documentation is not on file, Robert said an adjustment is appropriate.

In summarizing overall townwide trends, Robert said assessments have increased on average as follows: Single family homes/condos are up 37 to 45 percent; multi-family properties up 45 to 47 percent, and commercial properties are up 22 to 25 percent.

Robert said that the owners of fewer than 200 of the 8,500 properties in town have requested hearings.

Tiverton’s tax bills are expected to be mailed in late August or early September. Beginning Oct. 1, taxpayers with objections have 90 days to submit a formal appeal to the tax assessor’s office. 

About the photos

Single family homes and condos are up 37 to 45 percent; multi-families 45 to 47 percent and commercial properties are up 22 to 25 percent as a result of the town’s recent statistical revaluation. The photos and information included with each come from a random sampling of properties around town, and how their assessments have changed.