Brookline Property Taxes: What Homeowners Need to Know — and How to Challenge an Increase

If you own a home in Brookline, chances are your property tax bill has caught your attention in recent years. With home values rising and municipal budgets adjusting, many long-time homeowners are asking the same question:

“Is my assessment fair — and do I have any recourse if it isn’t?”

As a Brookline real estate agent who works closely with homeowners, downsizers, and long-time residents, I help clients understand not just what their tax bill says — but why it changed and when it makes sense to challenge it.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Brookline

Brookline property taxes are based on your home’s assessed value as of January 1st of each year. The Town of Brookline is required by Massachusetts law to assess property at 100% of fair market value — essentially, what your home would reasonably sell for in an open market.

That assessed value is then multiplied by Brookline’s annual tax rate to determine your tax bill.

Even though Massachusetts’ Proposition 2½ limits how much total tax revenue the town can collect each year, individual tax bills can still rise — sometimes significantly — depending on how your property compares to others in town.

Why Brookline Homeowners Are Seeing Increases

In recent years, Brookline has experienced:

• Strong buyer demand, especially for single-family homes and well-located condos

• Limited inventory, which continues to push values higher

• Townwide reassessments that shift how the tax burden is distributed

This means that even if the overall tax rate changes modestly, your bill may rise if your home appreciated faster than the town average.

For many long-time homeowners — particularly empty nesters or those planning to downsize — these increases can feel frustrating, especially if the home hasn’t changed or been renovated recently.

When It Makes Sense to Challenge Your Assessment

Not every increase is incorrect — but some absolutely are.

You may want to consider a tax appeal if:

• Your assessed value is higher than recent comparable sales

• Your property record lists incorrect square footage, condition, or features

• Your home has functional obsolescence (layout issues, deferred maintenance, busy road, etc.)

• Similar homes nearby are assessed meaningfully lower

Brookline’s assessments rely heavily on sales data — and sales don’t always tell the full story of your specific home.

How to Challenge a Property Tax Increase in Brookline

Step 1: Review Your Property Record Card

Start by reviewing your assessment notice and property record card. Errors here are more common than most homeowners realize — and even small inaccuracies can inflate your tax bill.

Step 2: File an Abatement Application

If you believe your assessment is too high, you can file a property tax abatement with the Brookline Board of Assessors.

• The deadline is typically February 1st (or as stated on your tax bill)

• Supporting documentation matters — comparable sales, photos, and factual corrections help

If approved, your assessed value — and tax bill — will be reduced.

Step 3: Appeal Further if Necessary

If your abatement request is denied or only partially granted, you may appeal to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. This step involves strict deadlines and formal procedures, so preparation is key.

What Strengthens a Successful Appeal

Homeowners tend to have the best outcomes when they:

• Use true comparables, not just nearby homes

• Focus on market value as of January 1, not today’s price

• Correct factual errors before arguing value

• Understand how Brookline’s micro-neighborhoods affect pricing

This is where local market knowledge really matters.

Planning Ahead: Taxes and Downsizing

For homeowners considering downsizing in the next few years, property taxes are often part of a bigger financial picture. Understanding your current tax exposure — and whether your assessment is accurate — can help you plan smarter and with less stress.

Brookline also offers residential exemptions and senior exemptions that may reduce your tax burden if you qualify, and these are often overlooked.

Need Help Reviewing Your Assessment?

If you’d like a complimentary review of your Brookline property assessment, I’m happy to help.

I regularly analyze Brookline home values, assess comparable sales, and help homeowners understand whether a tax appeal makes sense — even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon.

Reach out anytime to schedule a confidential assessment review or to talk through your options.
No pressure, no obligation — just clear guidance from someone who knows the Brookline real estate market.