ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County residents are voicing frustration after receiving new property value notices, with many saying their appraisals have increased sharply compared with previous assessments.
Some homeowners have taken to social media to say their property values appear to have doubled. Posts circulating online also include information about how to challenge the new assessments.
In response to questions and concerns, Buncombe County officials say they will host a series of free property value appeal clinics to help residents understand the reappraisal process and their options for appealing.
All properties in Buncombe County were recently assigned updated values reflecting estimated market conditions as of January 2026. County property assessment staff, along with volunteer real estate professionals, will be available at the clinics to answer questions, connect residents with potential tax relief programs and guide property owners through the appeals process.
Upcoming clinics are scheduled for:
- March 17, 6-7:30 p.m.: Sandy Mush Community Center, 19 School Road, Leicester
- March 18, 5-7 p.m.: Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain
- March 19, 4-7 p.m.: Big Ivy Community Center, 540 Dillingham Road, Barnardsville
- March 25, 3:30-6 p.m.: Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road, Asheville (Spanish interpretation available)
- March 26, 6-8 p.m.: Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville
- April 1, 4-6:30 p.m.: Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville
- April 2, 5-7 p.m.: Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview
- April 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville
- April 16, 6-8:30 p.m.: Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester
The county’s last general reappraisal took effect Jan. 1, 2021. Under North Carolina law, counties must revalue all real property at least once every eight years, though Buncombe County typically conducts reappraisals on a four-year cycle.
County commissioners voted to delay the reappraisal originally scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025, because of impacts from Tropical Storm Helene. Officials say staff collected data on thousands of storm-damaged properties and are continuing to review and adjust those parcels.
Officials emphasized that the notice of value mailed to property owners is not a tax bill. Property tax rates are set each June by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and tax bills are mailed in August.
Homeowners who agree with their new valuation do not need to take action. Those who believe the appraised value does not reflect current market value may file an appeal by following the instructions included with their notice. The deadline to submit an appeal is May 5.
More information is available here. Property owners can also view their property record card or begin the appeals process here.
