Westport’s 2025 Property Revaluation
Westport homeowners are starting to receive their updated property assessments this week, and many people are taking their first look at the new numbers. When yours arrives in the mail, here is the most important thing to remember before anything else: your new assessment is not your new tax bill.
Revaluation happens every five years and keeps the town’s records aligned with current market values. It resets the baseline that Westport uses to calculate taxes later in the budget process. It is normal to see your assessment move up, especially after several years of strong home sales across Fairfield County. It does not automatically mean your taxes will rise.
To stay ahead of the curve, here is a clear and simple breakdown of what is happening and what to do next.
1. Your assessment reflects market value, not taxes
The number you see on your notice is the town’s estimate of what your property would sell for on the open market as of October 1, 2025. If the market in your neighborhood climbed over the last five years, your assessment likely did as well. This is expected.
What this number does not represent is your future tax bill. It is only one part of the formula.
2. The mill rate is not set yet
This is where many homeowners get confused. Westport has not set the new mill rate for the upcoming fiscal year. That happens later in the spring when the town finalizes its annual budget.
Here is the process in real terms:
The Representative Town Meeting and Board of Finance review and approve the town budget for the next fiscal year.
Once the budget is set, the mill rate gets calculated to make sure the town raises the right amount of revenue.
If assessments across the town increase significantly, the mill rate often adjusts downward so taxes stay aligned with the approved budget.
Because of this, estimating your future taxes using last year’s mill rate can give you a number that is not accurate. It is better to wait for the official rate rather than guess.
3. Review the information in your notice for accuracy
Before thinking about appeals or next steps, make sure your property details are correct. Check square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, and any major features. Small errors can affect your assessed value and are usually easy to fix.
4. Look at recent sales to understand the town’s logic
A quick comparison to similar homes that sold in your neighborhood over the last year can help you see if your new assessment is in line with the market. Most homeowners find the numbers make sense once they compare their home to what is happening in the area.
5. If something feels off, informal hearings are available
Westport offers an informal review period where you can speak directly with the revaluation team. This is often the simplest way to resolve concerns. If you still disagree after that, you can file a formal appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals. Those appeals must be filed before February 20.
6. What this means for your long-term plans
If you are thinking about selling or refinancing, a new assessment can spark questions about value and timing. High buyer activity, low inventory, and steady demand across Fairfield County continue to shape pricing and competition. Understanding how your assessment fits into current market trends can help you make smarter decisions.
If you are staying put, your best next step is simply to wait for the town to publish the new mill rate. Once that number is released, you can get a clear picture of what your taxes will look like.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Westport?
If you are considering a move, whether buying or selling, the 2025 revaluation is a useful reminder of how the Westport market has evolved. Higher assessments reflect the strength of the local market, which can influence pricing, buyer demand, and overall strategy.
I help clients navigate this market with confidence. If you are thinking about buying a home in Westport, I can guide you to properties that match your needs and budget. If you are selling, I can help position your home strategically to attract buyers in today’s market.
Reach out anytime and let’s talk about your next move.
