About the Revaluation
In 2025, the Assessor’s Office completed a revaluation. This is a city-wide review of all property assessments, based upon the current real estate market and conditions. Revaluations are conducted to guarantee that all property is assessed at market value and ensure that taxes are distributed equitably. The last revaluation was previously completed in 2019. The next revaluation year has not been determined yet.
Row of diverse residential houses with porches and balconies, suggesting a neighborhood undergoing revaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A revaluation is a process where the City reviews all property values to make sure they reflect current market conditions. It helps ensure property taxes are fair and accurate for everyone in Wauwatosa.

Wisconsin law mandates regular revaluations to keep property assessments aligned with market values, ensuring fair tax distribution. On average, our assessments are currently about 55% of sale amounts. We have to be within 10% of fair market value (or 90% – 110%) of sale values.

A revaluation does not increase the total amount of tax collected. Instead, it helps make sure each property owner pays their fair share based on their property’s current market value.

We do not offer running reports on individual properties. Instead, we offer a spreadsheet of recent sales so you can find similar properties yourself.

Under Wisconsin Statutes, the assessor’s value is presumed correct. If you disagree with your new assessed value, it is important to provide evidence that supports your opinion of value. At this time, we are asking property owners to submit any of the following documentation for our review:

  • Recent appraisals from 2023-2024
  • Accepted purchase offers or sale contracts
  • Adjusted arm’s length comparable properties
  • Contractor estimates for significant repairs or conditions affecting value
  • Any other relevant documents that help justify your opinion of value

The average assessment increase was 54% (based on July 2025 information).

Assessment changes reflect market trends, not necessarily physical changes to a property. Even without home improvements, property value can fluctuate due to market conditions.

Wauwatosa experienced significant flooding in August 2025. Your 2025 assessed value is based on a date of January 1, 2025. Therefore, any flood damage does not affect your 2025 assessed value.

We are no longer able to make any changes to 2026 property values. To have your property reviewed for 2027, please fill out the Request for Review Form and provide any additional supporting documentation, if applicable.

You can look up property information by using the City’s online property search tool. You’ll be able to see:

  • Assessed value
  • Property size and features
  • Sales history

This can help you understand how your property compares to others in your neighborhood and citywide.

Every property owner will receive a notice of their assessment in the mail.

Here is a list of all arm’s-length residential sales in Wauwatosa that closed between 2022 and 2024: Residential Sales List

Open Book Review Period is a time period when you can contact the Assessor’s Office to:

  • Ask questions about how your property was valued
  • Review your property information
  • Provide any corrections or updates to the Assessor’s Office

Open Book Review Period is held annually.

Communications regarding the 2025 Revaluation:

  1. Property Description Update postcard – November 29, 2024
  2. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article – June 16, 2025
  3. City Assessor’s presentation to the Common Council – June 24, 2025
  4. Social media post about the Revaluation – July 8, 2025
  5. 2025 Revaluation postcard – July 9, 2025
  6. Social media post about the postcard – July 15, 2025
  7. “What Does an Assessor Do?” video (below)

The City Assessor estimates the fair market value of every property in Wauwatosa. This value is used to make sure property taxes are distributed fairly.

The Assessor does not set the tax rate or decide how much the City collects in taxes. Instead, they focus on determining accurate property values based on:

  • Recent sales
  • Property characteristics
  • Local market trends

The Assessor follows guidelines set by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and state law.