It’s Not Where You Are, It’s What You See
In a stunning victory for panoramic views, New Hampshire has made it legal for townships to adjust assessed property values according to the view.
Look out now, every burg with a panorama from Sitka, Alaska to Jackson, Wyoming is going to climb onboard this clever new source of income. To a substantial degree of course, all the ‘last best places’ already have a vista tax, in that it’s decidedly more expensive as one moves from ground floor to penthouse of a tall apartment building. Likewise, a home on a lake or abutting undeveloped and unspoiled countryside brings more on the real estate market than one without such benefits.
This added value though is established in the marketplace, not by the assessor. A four-bedroom, 3,000 square foot house that brings a premium price because of its location will pay more taxes then one that does not. The key is that magic phrase, worth more in the market.
Unless you live in New Hampshire.
Brad Wilder’s Plainfield, New Hampshire home enjoys a view not …