Notices of new assessments will be mailed to West Hartford property owners on Nov. 11, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s Grand List will show dramatic growth as of Oct. 1, 2026 – in part because of commercial development that is underway or has been completed but most significantly due to the impact of revaluation during a period of time during which there has been strong growth in the residential real estate market.

On average, the result of the recent revaluation indicates an increase in residential property values of 58.6%, according to Town Assessor Joe Dakers. Values of other classes of property have also risen significantly, and include a 57% increase for condominiums, 56% increase for apartments, 41% increase for industrial properties, and 31% increase for commercial properties.

Notices are due to be mailed to all property owners on Nov. 11, 2026, indicating the new assessment value – which represents 70% of the estimated fair market value of the property. The notices will also include the property’s prior market value and assessment from the 2021 revaluation.

Revaluation is required by Connecticut statute to take place at least once every five years, “to ensure property assessments reflect current market values. This makes sure the tax burden is distributed equitably among property owners. West Hartford completed its previous revaluation on October 1, 2021,” the town stated in a news release.

Property owners can also review their updated market value and assessments online here.

“Property owners should note that the new assessment, not the market value, will be the basis for your June 2027 tax bill,” the town announcement stated. “The Town Council will adopt a new mill rate in April 2027, which will be applied to the new assessment for tax bills issued in June 2027. Any applicable exemptions will be reflected in those tax bills.”

Property owners should not try to estimate their future taxes by applying the current mill rate to the new assessed value.

The town has not yet officially started the process of establishing the Fiscal Year 2028 budget, and it is premature to speculate the tax burden for each property owner, but it is anticipated that the current mill rate will be reduced from the current level since the property values have risen so dramatically. Five years ago, when West Hartford last underwent revaluation, the Town Council voted to phase in the increased property values over the span of two years. That possibility has not yet been publicly discussed for this revaluation cycle.

According to the town, any property owner who believes that their new valuation is not an accurate reflection of the current market value of their property can schedule an informal conference with the revaluation company and the Assessor’s Office. Those who own more than one property should note that a separate conference must be scheduled for each property being questioned.

The conference period is Nov. 17, 2026, through Dec. 19, 2026. Conferences will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Click here to book an appointment.

Written notification to property owners of the result will be provided following the conference.  

Following the result of any informal conference, those who are still dissatisfied can file an appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals no later than Feb. 22, 2027. Appeal forms will be available in the Town Hall Assessment Office, Room 142, or online here. Appeals will be heard by the Board in March 2027.

The town asks homeowners to consider the following three questions prior to scheduling a conference:

1. “Does the Assessment Office have the correct information on my property?” You can verify that the details of your property are correct here on the town’s website.
2. “What are comparable properties in my neighborhood selling for?” You can view all sales that are the basis for the 2026 values here. 
3. “Could I sell my property for that amount?” Bring with you any recent appraisals, a real estate broker’s opinion of value, or a list of recent sales in your neighborhood of homes most similar to yours.

“Please note that informal conferences are intended to review property values and assessment data. They are not a forum for discussing property tax rates or tax amounts,” the town stated.

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