Bexar County Property Valuation Notices for 2025
Bexar County property owners are set to receive their valuation notices for 2025, indicating an average increase of approximately 2.1% in the appraised value of residential properties compared to the previous year. The Bexar Appraisal District described this adjustment as “modest,” reflecting a steady but subdued real estate market.
Overview of Property Value Trends
In contrast to the significant fluctuations experienced in previous years, where valuations skyrocketed by 16% in 2023 and 28% in 2022, the average growth for 2024 was a more tempered 2.4%. This year’s data indicates a slight dip in the average sales price for residential properties within the county.
The Bexar Appraisal District noted that while new construction contributed to a higher countywide average, most neighborhoods exhibited either stagnant values or mild appreciation.
Valuation Notices and Property Tax Implications
This year, the appraisal district issued notices to around 390,000 properties out of a total of 774,000. It’s important to note that a valuation notice is only generated if a property’s value has increased by at least $1,000 from the previous valuation. This represents about 174,000 fewer notices than were sent out last year.
According to agency spokesperson Jennifer Rodriguez, it remains to be determined how Bexar County valuations compare to those in other Texas counties, as valuation processes are underway statewide.
Concerns Regarding Property Taxation
As some local housing experts have recently pointed out, lower-value homes in Bexar County are disproportionately affected by property tax assessments compared to higher-value properties. This discrepancy has raised concerns, especially given the existence of property tax exemptions intended to mitigate rapid value increases.
Commercial and Multifamily Property Trends
On a different note, commercial and multifamily properties in Bexar County have seen a rise in their market values, with averages increasing by 7.68% and 4.31%, respectively, according to appraisal district data.
Protesting Your Valuation
After receiving valuation notices, property owners who believe their assessed value is too high have the right to challenge it. Protests must be filed by May 15. Notably, the Bexar Appraisal District has introduced a policy whereby if a property owner successfully contests their valuation in 2025, the district will not reassess the property in 2026, provided there are no major changes to the property.
Understanding Homestead Exemptions
For those with homestead exemptions applied to their properties, significant increases in value may still occur even in a year of modest growth. Homestead exemptions are designed to lower the taxable value of an owner-occupied residence, helping to ease the financial burden from rising valuations. For example, a 20% homestead exemption on a home valued at $300,000 would reduce the taxable value to $240,000.
However, homeowners need to be cautious; the exemption’s cap provides a buffer during rising markets, but the appraised value continues to rise annually until it matches the market value. As Chief Appraiser Rogelio Sandoval stated, “what’s going to roll over is the market value, not the appraised value,” in the context of the new reappraisal plan.
For homeowners looking to apply for the basic homestead exemption, the necessary form is available through the Bexar County Appraisal District.
