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. A revaluation was conducted to guarantee that all property is assessed at market value and to ensure that taxes are distributed equitably. The last city-wide revaluation was completed in 2019.
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.
The deadline (Tuesday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m.) to submit a formal objection has passed.
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 do not offer running reports on individual properties. Instead, we do offer a spreadsheet of recent sales (https://www.wauwatosa.net/home/showpublisheddocument/6249), and 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
Assessment changes reflect market trends, not necessarily physical changes to a property. Even without home improvements, property value can fluctuate due to market conditions.
We are no longer able to make any changes to 2025 property values.
To have your property reviewed for 2026, please fill out the Request for Review form entirely, and provide any additional supporting documentation, if applicable.
“Open Book” is a time period when you can contact the Assessor’s Office.
- Ask questions about how your property was valued
- Review your property information
- Provide any corrections or updates
Dates: Friday, July 18 – Friday, August 15, 2025.
Hours: 9am – 4pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9am – 6pm on Thursdays.
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.
Communications regarding the 2025 Revaluation:
- Property Description Update postcard – November 29, 2024
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article – June 16, 2025
- City Assessor’s presentation to the Common Council – June 24, 2025
- Social media post about the Revaluation – July 8, 2025
- 2025 Revaluation postcard – July 9, 2025
- Social media post about the postcard – July 15, 2025
- “What Does an Assessor Do?” video (below)
What was the city’s average assessment increase?
The average assessment increase was 54% (based on July 2025 information).
How will the revaluation impact my taxes?
Estimate how the 2025 property revaluation may impact your taxes.
What sales did the Assessor look at to re-evaluate my home?
Here is a list of all arm’s-length residential sales in Wauwatosa that closed between 2022 and 2024: Residential Sales List
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.