Calgary homeowner faces challenge after property assessment jumps 60%

Stan Valant, a long-time resident of Calgary's Silver Springs, is baffled by the city's recent assessment of his bi-level home.

Despite making no improvements, the value of his 1,084-square-foot house jumped from $673,000 in 2023 to more than $1 million last year, according to city tax assessors.

"No, it's nowhere near a million. There's no way," Valant said. "I can't see anybody buying this place for a million dollars."

The City of Calgary reports the average residential property increased in value by 15 per cent last year, resulting in a tax increase of 5.5 per cent for those properties.

Homeowners whose property value increased by less than 15 per cent will see lower tax hikes.

However, Eddie Lee from the City of Calgary explained that properties with above-average value increases will face higher taxes.

"If your property value change is higher than the typical change, this will result in more tax," Lee said.

Valant's property saw a 60 per cent increase, which he describes as "very unfair."

"Being a resident of Calgary since 1980, I feel it's a stab in the back, really, definitely," he said.

Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp says a jump like Valant's is unusual and will have a significant impact.

"A 60 per cent jump in someone's assessed value means quite a hike in their tax or their end tax results," she said.

Sharp advises homeowners in Valant's situation to begin their appeal process immediately.

"It is a big job to do an appeal, but I would strongly recommend people do it, and also, if there is some sort of error on the city side, they will fix it," she said.

Last year, approximately 2,700 or about .05 per cent of Calgarians filed appeals, and not all were successful.

Valant plans to appeal the assessment, saying the financial strain could force him from his home of nearly 30 years.

"I have to appeal it because I can't afford it," Valant said. "I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income."

For those considering an appeal, the process requires thorough preparation.

Homeowners must substantiate their claims with evidence such as property size, photos and the classification of the property.

It's essential to demonstrate that the home has been assessed too high compared to similar properties.

Gathering information on comparable homes that have sold recently in the area is recommended.

Tax assessors may wish to come to your home to verify your claims in person.

Appeals must be filed with the Assessment Review Board by March 21.

To assist residents, the city is hosting an online session called "Ask an Assessor" on Jan. 21 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Spaces must be reserved in advance.