ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Thousands of Buncombe County property owners will begin receiving updated property value notices in the mail starting Wednesday, Feb. 18, marking the county’s first general reappraisal in five years.

The new appraisals reflect fair market values as of Jan. 1, 2026. County officials say mailings will be sent in phases, with all notices expected to be delivered by early March.

The last countywide reappraisal took effect Jan. 1, 2021. Since then, more than 130,000 parcels have been reviewed through field visits, in-office analysis and property owner data to align assessed values with current market conditions.

By state law, North Carolina counties must conduct revaluations at least every eight years. Buncombe County typically completes them every four years. The Board of Commissioners voted to delay the reappraisal originally scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025, to account for damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

Property Assessor Eric Cregger told commissioners Tuesday that staff collected data on thousands of storm-damaged parcels and continue to review and adjust those properties.

“Market values in these areas have declined relative to the current market, however they have remained well above 2021 appraised values,” Cregger said in a statement.

County Manager Avril Pinder said the delay allowed staff to prioritize recovery efforts and ensure property values reflect current conditions.

“While many parts of our community were not as heavily impacted and are continuing to thrive, we know that many people in especially hard-hit areas are still reeling from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene,” Pinder said in a statement. “It has been essential for staff to spend the extra time to make sure that values reflect the current status of impacted properties.”

Across North Carolina, rising real estate prices have driven significant increases in taxable values, and Buncombe County is expected to follow that trend, even after accounting for storm impacts. Final totals will be determined after appeals are reviewed.

Officials emphasized that the notice of value is not a tax bill. Property tax rates will be set in June, and tax bills will be mailed in August.

Property owners who agree with their new valuation do not need to take action. Those who disagree may file an appeal beginning Feb. 18. Informal appeals to the Assessment Office will be accepted through April 7. Formal appeals to the Board of Equalization and Review must be filed by May 5. The board is scheduled to begin hearing formal appeals in June.

The county has launched new online tools, including a Residential Comparable Sales Search tool known as Comper, allowing residents to review neighborhood sales data and generate reports to support appeals. Property owners can review their property record cards, search comparable sales and file appeals at tax.buncombenc.gov. Appeals may also be submitted by mail, in person or through a drop box at 182 College St. in downtown Asheville.

Community meetings and drop-in appeal clinics are planned throughout March and April, with schedules posted here.

Commissioner Jennifer Horton said staff outlined improvements to the reappraisal process, including additional staffing, updated land and building valuation methods and expanded outreach efforts with mobile-friendly appeal options.

Tax relief programs are also available for qualifying residents. State-authorized programs may assist homeowners who are 65 or older and living on a low income, individuals who are 100% disabled and meet income requirements, and veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability or their unmarried surviving spouse. The deadline to apply for exemptions is June 1.

The Property Assessment Office can be reached at 828-250-4940 or by email at realestate.questions@buncombenc.gov. Questions about exemptions can be directed to 828-250-4915.