Melrose Opens Review Period for FY 2027 Preliminary Property Assessments

Melrose’s Board of Assessors has just received preliminary certification from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for its fiscal year 2027 property values. In plain English, that means the city has done the state‑mandated revaluation and now wants you – the property owner – to take a look.

The public disclosure window kicked off on Monday, Oct 19, and runs through Friday, Oct 23. During that time you can browse the proposed assessments on the Assessors’ website, stop by the first floor of City Hall at 562 Main St., or flip through the printed listings that are available at the public library and the Milano Senior Center.

What’s new? Across the board, values have risen, but the amount varies by property type. Apartments saw the biggest jump – a 12.5 % increase – followed by industrial sites at 8.8 % and three‑family homes at 8.3 %. Single‑family homes are up 5.8 %, two‑family homes 3.8 %, condos 3.6 %, and commercial parcels about 3.2 %.

Don’t mistake those averages for what will happen to your own tax bill. The city stresses that individual assessments depend on a host of factors – location, lot size, building condition, recent sales nearby – so your number could differ substantially from the headline percentages.

If you’re curious about the exact figures, the city posted a 163‑page spreadsheet organized by street. For example, the condo building at 340 Main St. shows Unit 307 valued at $175,300, Unit 305 at $326,200, and Unit 701 at $380,800. The list doesn’t include last year’s numbers, so you’ll have to do a bit of side‑by‑side math if you want a direct comparison.

Massachusetts law requires every community to assess property at “full and fair cash value” each year, and the state’s Department of Revenue checks those practices every five years. Keep in mind, an increase in assessed value doesn’t automatically translate into an equal jump in your property tax bill – the tax rate and the town’s budget needs also play a role.

Got questions? Think your assessment is off? The Assessors’ Office is ready to help. Call 781‑979‑4104 or swing by between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday‑Thursday, or 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Bring any supporting documents you think might justify a correction.

One last note: this review period is separate from the formal tax‑abatement process. If you plan to file for an abatement, you’ll need to submit the paperwork by the due date on the first actual tax bill for FY 2027. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office can point you to the right forms and deadlines.

In short, you have a few days to look over the numbers, ask questions, and, if necessary, start the conversation about adjusting your assessment. It’s a chance to make sure you’re paying what you truly owe – no more, no less.