Updated 2026 real estate assessment notices are now available online and are being mailed to all property owners across the county. These notices reflect a property's assessed value and are not a tax bill.
Countywide residential real estate assessments are up an average of 3.99%, based on market-driven value increases or decreases, referred to as equalization changes. The mean assessed value of all improved residential property is approximately $829,895. In 2025, the countywide average home assessment was $798,053.
In 2025, 30-year fixed mortgage rates fluctuated throughout the year but saw a slight decrease at year end from 2024, settling on average, in the lower 6% range. Inventory levels and sales volume remained relatively stable compared to the previous year, with home prices continuing their trend of appreciation. However, the rate of increase was lower than what was experienced in 2024.
To look up your current or past assessments:
- Visit the real estate assessment online database.
- Enter your address in the "Search by Property Location" section.
- Next, on the page with your property’s information, select “Values” on the left-hand side to see your present and past assessments. Or, compare the sale price of your property to others in the neighborhood by clicking on “Neighborhood Sales” on the right-hand side.
Average Assessment Values
Of the total number of residential properties, 81.2% increased in value due to equalization (market-driven increases or decreases). Nearly 8% saw a decrease in value, and assessments are unchanged for the remaining 11%.
Here is a breakdown of mean home assessments. The values are not necessarily indicative of individual properties or neighborhoods.
- Single-family detached homes – $1,012,504, up 4.28%
- Townhouse/duplex properties – $612,580, up 3.9%
- Condominiums – $387,560, up 2.94%
Overall, of the 357,018 taxable parcels in Fairfax County:
- 316,098 have an assessment change.
- 40,920 have no assessment change.
Explore how assessment neighborhood values have changed from the previous year with the 2026 RESViewer Hub. On the interactive maps, you can see property assessment changes and sales, search for residential sales in your area and filter for properties similar to your own.
Why Your Assessment May Have Changed
There are several factors that affect real estate assessments:
- Sales in the neighborhood
- Economic factors such as average number of days homes have been for sale and sales volume
- Improvements to the property (remodeling, additions)
- New construction and rezoning
- Property characteristics such as size, age, condition and amenities
Assessments Are Not a Bill
The real estate assessment notice is not a bill. Most homeowners pay real estate tax as part of a monthly mortgage payment. Your mortgage company then sends the taxes directly to Fairfax County. However, some homeowners pay their real estate taxes directly (due July 28 and Dec. 5). Contact your mortgage company if you are not sure how your taxes are paid.
Here’s a sample assessment notice you’ll see online or receive in the mail.
Tax Levy Is an Estimate
The estimated tax levy shown on your assessment notice is just that — an estimate. As required by state law, the estimated tax for 2026 is based on the 2026 assessment and Fairfax County’s 2025 tax rates. This is an estimate because the Board of Supervisors has not yet adopted tax rates for 2026, but will do so as part of the budget process. The “levy,” or tax, is a combination of your current assessment and the current adopted (2025) tax rates.
Important note for participants in the tax relief program: The 2026 tax estimate shown on your notice does not reflect your 2026 tax relief benefit.
Tax Relief Is Available
Seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for real estate tax relief, and last year, the Board of Supervisors approved tax relief for the surviving spouses of military members who died in the line of duty.
For 2026, the maximum gross income to qualify for tax relief is $90,000, with a maximum net worth of $400,000.
The filing deadline for your tax relief application is May 1. You will be notified about your tax relief status by June 30.
Appealing Your Assessment
If you believe that your real estate is incorrectly assessed, you can file an appeal. Appeals should be based on either fair market value, lack of uniformity or errors in property description. Simply saying that the value has increased too much in a single year is not a legal basis for an appeal. Before filing an appeal, contact Tax Administration staff:
- Schedule a phone or video appointment to talk to staff at your convenience.
- Send an inquiry by email.
- Call 703-222-8234, TTY 711, on Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you still want to file an appeal, property owners can begin with an administrative appeal. Property owners are encouraged to file this appeal as early as possible.
All administrative appeal applications must be submitted by April 1. They must be postmarked by April 1, if mailed in, or they can be emailed, filed online or dropped off at the Department of Tax Administration offices by 4:30 p.m. on April 1. No exceptions. No administrative appeals will be accepted after this date. Both non-residential and residential property appeals may be submitted by mail or email, but only residential assessment appeals can be initiated online. You can download appeal applications or call the Tax Administration office to obtain a copy.
Real estate appeals can also be filed with the Board of Equalization. The BOE conducts formal hearings and considers sworn testimony. BOE appeal forms are available online or by calling the BOE office at 703-324-4891, TTY 711. By law, all appeals to the BOE must be filed and postmarked by June 1 or emailed/uploaded by 4:30 p.m. on June 1. No exceptions.
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