Philadelphia is bringing back property tax reassessments after skipping them in 2025. Normally, the city reviews property values every year to keep them updated.

But in 2025, they paused the process because too many homeowners challenged their property values. There were so many appeals that the system became difficult to manage.

Now, the city is moving forward again. They want to update property values so they match the current real estate market.

Why this matters for homeowners

Even though the city is not increasing the tax rate, many homeowners could still end up paying more in property taxes.

This is because property taxes are based on your home’s value. If your home is worth more, your tax bill usually goes up.

So even if the percentage stays the same, the amount you owe can increase. This is something that surprises a lot of people. They think taxes only go up when rates go up, but that is not always true.

Home values are going up

Home prices in Philadelphia have been rising, and that is one of the main reasons for these reassessments.

The city expects property values to increase by a few percent overall. In some cases, certain types of homes have gone up even more. For example, attached homes have seen a bigger jump compared to last year.

This means many homes are now worth more than they were just a year ago. While this is good for homeowners in terms of equity, it also leads to higher property taxes.

Past problems with property values

Philadelphia has had issues with property assessments in the past. Some homeowners felt their property values were too high, while others felt they were too low.

This created concerns about fairness. If one home is valued incorrectly, it can mean that the person is paying more or less than they should compared to others.

To fix this, the city is trying to improve the process. They are working with outside experts to review the data and make sure the values are more accurate. The goal is to make the system more fair for everyone.

What homeowners should expect next?

The city plans to finish updating property values in the spring. After that, homeowners will receive updated information showing what their property is now worth.

At that point, people will be able to see if their taxes are going up or staying the same. If someone disagrees with the new value, they may have the option to appeal it.

There will also be public meetings where officials explain the process and answer questions. This gives homeowners a chance to understand what is happening and what they can do if they feel something is wrong.

What this means in real life

For many homeowners, this situation can feel frustrating. On the one hand, it is good that their property is worth more. On the other hand, a higher value often means higher taxes.

This is why it is important to understand how property taxes work. It is not just about the tax rate. It is also about how your home is valued.

If you own property, staying informed about reassessments can help you avoid surprises and make better financial decisions.