MATTAPOISETT — The Assessors’ Office released the results of their five year property recertification on Oct. 16, revealing that property values have increased by five percent this year.

Property values are calculated by the town’s assessors based on a statistical analysis of residential property sales by the town’s assessors.

This analysis takes into account a property’s location, condition, size, and the kitchen and bathroom quality and compares these factors with other similar properties in the neighborhood.

The state requires that the town attempt to measure and list all properties every 10 years. The town takes advantage of building permit requests and sales as an opportunity to measure the dimensions of some houses. It cycles through the other houses as needed.   

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue certifies the values that the town calculates.

The town produces property values every year, but Massachusetts General Law requires stricter recertifications every five years. These property values allow officials to more accurately determine spending on local services, according to the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers. 

Property values increased three percent two years ago and four percent last year.

The impact of these property values on tax values will be finalized after a Classification Hearing with the Board of Selectmen.

Selectmen technically have the option to choose a split tax rate over the current single tax rate.

However they would be unlikely to designate a commercial tax rate because the town is 94 percent residential, and separating the tax rate for businesses would be detrimental to them. 

Town residents are invited to view their property’s value at the Assessors’ Office at Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 22 to Nov. 5.