Assessments Show Western Region Real Estate on the Rise

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Assessments Show Western Region Real Estate on the Rise

More than 537,000 assessment notices are in the mail today, Jan. 13, to Nova Scotia property owners. Total property assessments for Nova Scotia are up from 2002 by 5.5 per cent for residential properties and by two per cent for commercial properties, to a total of $50.3 billion.

"The increase in many residential property values is a reflection of a strengthening economy, and the corresponding strengthening real estate market in many parts of the province," said Peter Christie, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

The minister said the numbers reflect an increase in what buyers have been paying for existing residential properties as well as new home construction.

In the Western Region of Nova Scotia, which includes Hants West, Kings, Annapolis and Digby counties, total residential assessment values are up by 2.5 per cent to more than $4 billion. Total commercial assessment is up by 2.8 per cent to almost $1.4 billion. The 2003 property assessments are based on market value at Jan. 1, 2001.

"Market value is the most widely accepted and understood approach to property assessment. Every province in Canada uses the market value system as do most assessment jurisdictions in the United States and 127 other countries," said Debi Karrel, regional manager for the Western Regional Assessment Office.

"The market value approach to assessment is popular because it is the most equitable system of property assessment available. Under this approach, property values are determined objectively and transparently and they're easily understood," she said.

Each year, the assessment services division reassesses all properties in Nova Scotia to establish an estimate of fair-market value. Factors used to determine assessments include analysis of sales, building permits, local market conditions, depreciation, renovations and new construction. Values are tested for statistical validity using internationally accepted assessment standards.

Property owners wanting to know more about assessment can access information through the department's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/asmt .

"People can look up assessed values by their assessment account number, by location or by using a map," said Ms. Karrel. "Not everyone has Internet access, so property owners can also get answers to their assessment questions by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-667-5727."

Many property owners won't be surprised by their assessment notice. Last summer, preliminary notices were mailed to all property owners whose proposed assessment for 2003 was expected to increase by more than three per cent.

"Sending out the preliminary notices gave property owners a six- month period during which they could speak with us informally about their assessment. We had almost 5,000 inquiries from across Nova Scotia," said Ms. Karrel.

Property owners who disagree with their assessment have the opportunity to appeal.

"Property owners should ask themselves if their assessment is a reflection of market value," said Ms. Karrel. "If they don't think it is, they may appeal."

All appeals must be filed no later than midnight, Feb. 3. Once an appeal is received, an assessor will review the property valuation and then notify the property owner with the result of the review. Property owners who wish to continue the appeal to the Regional Assessment Appeal Court must respond to the review notice in writing within seven days.