If you own a home in Raleigh—or anywhere in Wake County—you’ve probably heard the news by now. Wake County is making a major change to the property revaluation process. Starting in 2025, property assessments will happen every four years instead of every eight.

It’s a shift that’s leaving many homeowners with questions. Will my taxes go up? How often will my property be revalued? What can I do if my assessed value feels too high?

At The Coley Group, we are local real estate experts who can help you understand the bigger picture. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to stay informed, here’s what you need to know about Wake County’s new revaluation cycle—and how you can prepare.

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Why Is Wake County Changing the Property Revaluation Cycle?

Over the last decade, Raleigh’s real estate market has been on fire. Home values in Wake County have climbed rapidly, outpacing many other areas in North Carolina. The most recent countywide revaluation, completed in 2024, showed a 53% median increase in property values. While that sounds like good news for homeowners on the surface, it also means many people saw a significant jump in their property tax bills.

For years, Wake County revalued properties every eight years. The problem with that long gap? Property assessments often lagged behind the actual market. That meant when revaluations finally did happen, the tax increases sometimes felt abrupt—and painful.

To address that, Wake County leaders voted to shorten the revaluation cycle to four years. They believe this will help keep assessments more in line with current market conditions, creating a system that’s more consistent and fair for homeowners.

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What Does This Mean for You as a Homeowner?

First things first: a revaluation doesn’t automatically mean your taxes will increase. The revaluation process simply updates your property’s assessed value, which is one part of the equation the county uses to calculate property taxes.

But more frequent assessments mean that your home’s taxable value will be updated more often, keeping pace with the local housing market. If property values continue to rise, as they have been, your assessed value might too.

The takeaway? It’s important to stay informed about what your property is worth—not just for tax purposes, but also to understand the equity you have in your home.

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Key Dates

• March 2025: The new four-year revaluation cycle officially begins.
  
• 2027 Revaluation: The next scheduled revaluation is set for this year. Homeowners will receive updated assessment notices at that time.
  

Between now and then, Wake County is offering educational opportunities, including webinars and public meetings, to help homeowners understand the process.

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How Can You Prepare for the New Revaluation Cycle?

At The Coley Group, we know Raleigh’s real estate market inside and out. Here’s our take on what you can do now to stay ahead of these changes.

1. Understand Your Home’s Market Value

While the county determines your assessed value, understanding your home’s market value is just as important. Knowing what your property could realistically sell for can give you context when you receive your revaluation notice.

If you’re unsure where your home stands in today’s market, our team can provide a detailed market analysis. It’s not an official appraisal or assessment, but it’s a valuable tool for understanding your property’s potential value in Raleigh’s competitive housing landscape.

2. Budget for Potential Tax Changes

Property taxes are based on both your home’s assessed value and the tax rate set by Wake County. Even if your home’s value increases, that doesn’t guarantee your tax bill will. However, it’s smart to prepare for the possibility. Review your budget now so you’re not caught off guard in the future.

3. Know Your Rights to Appeal

If you disagree with your property’s assessed value after the revaluation, you have the right to appeal. Wake County has a formal appeals process that gives homeowners a chance to contest their valuations. Don’t know where to start? At The Coley Group, we can point you in the right direction and offer resources to help you get started.

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Where to Find More Information

Wake County has rolled out a series of resources to keep homeowners informed about the new revaluation cycle. These tools can help you understand the process, compare property sales in your area, and navigate an appeal if necessary.

• Revaluation Information Hub
  Learn about Wake County’s revaluation process and why the changes are happening.
  Revaluation Info
• Frequently Asked Questions
  Answers to common questions about property assessments, appeals, and more.
  Frequently Asked Questions
  
• Appeal Your Assessment
  If you think your assessed value is incorrect, you can start the appeals process online.
  Learn More
  
• Contact Wake County Tax Administration
  For updates on webinars, public meetings, or specific questions about your property, reach out directly:
  Phone: 919-856-5400
  Email: taxhelp@wake.gov
  

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Looking Ahead: What This Means for Raleigh Homeowners

At the end of the day, Wake County’s move to a shorter revaluation cycle is about keeping property values—and taxes—more aligned with the real estate market. For homeowners, it’s one more reason to stay informed about your property’s worth and the trends shaping Raleigh’s housing landscape.

The Coley Group can help you understand how market changes might impact your home’s value and your future plans. Whether you’re considering selling, buying, or simply keeping an eye on your biggest investment, we’re here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.

If you’d like to know what your home is worth in today’s market or discuss how these changes might affect your real estate goals, contact us! We’re always here to help Raleigh homeowners navigate what’s next.