If you’re wondering when the appraiser updates market value in Maryland, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) generally reassesses a property’s market value every three years, with about one-third of properties reassessed annually. To check your property’s assessment, visit the official Maryland Real Property Data Search, select your county, choose Street Address, and search using the property’s physical address. Review the assessment record to find the latest valuation and assessment year, or check your Notice of Assessment if you have received one.
How to Check When Your Property Value Will Be Updated
Follow these steps to find your property’s assessment information and determine when its value is due for reassessment.
Step 1: Find Your Property Address
Use the property’s physical address, not necessarily the address where you receive mail. You can find it on your property tax bill, purchase documents, deed, or other property records.
If you own multiple properties, make sure you use the address of the property you want to check. The mailing address on your tax bill or assessment notice may differ from the property’s physical location.
Step 2: Search the Official SDAT Website
- Open the Maryland Real Property Data Search.
- Select the Maryland county where your property is located.
- Choose Street Address as the search method.
- Click Continue and follow the instructions to enter the property address.
- Select the matching property record from the search results.
If you cannot find the property, check the address format and confirm that you selected the correct county. You can also search using the property’s account identifier if it is available on your tax bill or assessment notice.
Step 3: Review Your Assessment Record
Open the property record and look for the assessment information, including the assessment year, current value, and phase-in assessment values.
These details help you understand the property’s latest valuation and the value used for property tax calculations. The assessment year identifies the property’s reassessment area, but it does not necessarily provide the exact date when you will receive your next notice.
If the next reassessment year is unclear, contact your local SDAT assessment office to confirm the schedule.
Step 4: Check Your Assessment Notice
If you have received a Notice of Assessment from SDAT, you can use it to confirm whether your property’s market value has changed.
Look for these details:
- Notice date: Find the date the assessment notice was issued. This is also important for determining your appeal deadline.
- Previous market value: Check the value from the previous assessment.
- New market value: Compare it with the previous value to identify any increase or decrease.
- Phase-in assessment: Review the phased-in values used to calculate property taxes.
- Appeal instructions: Check the deadline and procedure if you disagree with the new valuation.
If you cannot find your notice, first check your property record online. If you need a copy of the notice or confirmation of your next reassessment, contact your local SDAT assessment office.
Step 5: Confirm Your Next Reassessment Date
Maryland reassesses properties on a three-year cycle. However, different properties are reassessed in different years because the state uses three reassessment areas.
If your online record and assessment notice do not clearly identify when the next reassessment is due, visit the SDAT Local Assessment Offices directory and find the office responsible for your county.
Provide your property address or account number and ask when your next reassessment is scheduled.
Important: You do not need to contact SDAT if your records already provide the information you need. Contacting the local office is a useful next step when the online information is unclear or you need official confirmation.
When Will You Receive a New Assessment Notice?
Maryland generally reassesses each property every three years. Property owners typically receive a Notice of Assessment when their property’s reassessment is completed. Notices are normally issued in late December for the upcoming assessment cycle.
The notice shows the property’s previous and new market values and explains how to challenge the assessment if necessary.
If you have not received a new notice, it does not automatically mean your property’s value has remained unchanged. Check your SDAT property record to review the latest assessment information.
Why Does Maryland Update Market Value?
SDAT reassesses properties to reflect changes in the real estate market and individual property characteristics. Assessors consider factors such as comparable property sales, building characteristics, and improvements.
For example, if similar homes in your neighborhood have sold for higher prices since your last assessment, SDAT may determine that your property’s market value has increased, even if you have not renovated your home.
The reassessment is an estimate of market value for property tax purposes. It is not a guarantee of the price your home would sell for.
Does a Higher Market Value Increase Property Taxes?
A higher assessment does not automatically mean your property tax bill will increase by the same percentage. Maryland generally phases in increases in assessed value over three years, and your final tax bill also depends on applicable state, county, and municipal tax rates.
For example, suppose your previous assessed value was $300,000 and your new market value is $330,000.
| Assessment stage | Illustrative value |
| Previous assessed value | $300,000 |
| First year’s phased-in value | $310,000 |
| Second year’s phased-in value | $320,000 |
| Third year’s phased-in value | $330,000 |
This simplified example assumes the entire $30,000 increase is phased in equally over three years. Your actual assessment and tax calculation may differ, so check the values shown in your SDAT record.
What If You Disagree With the New Value?
If your new market value appears too high, review the assessment before deciding whether to appeal.
- Check your property details. Verify information such as living area, building characteristics, land details, and improvements.
- Compare similar sales. Review comparable properties in your area to assess whether the new value is reasonable.
- Check the appeal deadline. Read the deadline stated in your Notice of Assessment. Maryland generally allows 45 days from the date of a reassessment notice to appeal.
- Follow the official process. Read the instructions included with your notice or visit the SDAT Assessment Appeal Process.
Do not wait until your property tax bill arrives if you intend to challenge a new assessment. Review the notice and its appeal instructions promptly.
Is a Private Appraisal the Same as an SDAT Assessment?
No. A government assessment and a private appraisal serve different purposes.
| Government assessment | Private appraisal |
| Conducted by Maryland SDAT for property tax purposes | Usually ordered for a mortgage, refinancing, sale, or another specific purpose |
| Generally follows a three-year reassessment cycle | Timing depends on the assignment and the lender’s or client’s requirements |
| Provides the assessed market value used in the property tax process | Provides an independent valuation for the specific assignment |
If you want to know when your property’s tax value will be updated, follow the SDAT reassessment process described above. If a mortgage lender has ordered an appraisal, ask the lender or appraiser when that particular valuation will be completed or updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland reassess property every year?
No. Each property is generally reassessed every three years, but approximately one-third of Maryland properties are reassessed annually because the state uses three reassessment areas.
Can I check my next reassessment date online?
You can review your property’s assessment year and current valuation through the official SDAT property search. If the next reassessment date is not clear, contact your local assessment office for confirmation.
Does SDAT update market value if I do not renovate my house?
Yes. Market conditions can change a property’s estimated market value even when the property itself has not changed. Assessors consider relevant market sales and other valuation factors.
What is the difference between market value and assessed value?
Market value is the estimated price a property could sell for under normal market conditions. SDAT determines the market value used in Maryland’s property assessment process. Increases in assessed value are generally phased in over three years for property tax purposes.
Conclusion
Maryland SDAT generally reassesses each property every three years, with different properties reviewed in different years. To check your property’s latest valuation, search the official SDAT property database using its physical address and review the assessment year and value. If you have received a Notice of Assessment, compare the old and new values and check the appeal deadline. Contact your local SDAT office only if you need further clarification or confirmation of your next reassessment date.
