City defends mobile home revals, says their prices have spiked since pandemic

According to city officials, mobile homes have experienced the largest increases in assessed value (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The City of Rochester is today defending its assessing department's revaluation of mobile homes in the city.

Last year's revaluation, the first since 2019, was conducted to align all property assessments with current market values, reflecting significant shifts in the housing market since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using sales data from April 1, 2023, to Sept 1, the Assessor's Office analyzed 585 valid property sales, including 155 sales of mobile homes. According to a statement released by the city on its website, mobile homes have experienced the largest increases in assessed value, with single-wide homes showing an average increase of 208% and double-wide homes an average increase of 99% compared to 2019. Individual increases varied, as these figures represent city-wide averages.

Currently, there are approximately 2,650 mobile homes in Rochester, either on privately owned land or in one of the 24 mobile home parks. As of this announcement, 32 mobile homes are listed for sale, with prices ranging from $70,000 to $349,900, according to city officials.

Although assessed value has increased, the tax rate in Rochester dropped by $10.89--from $25.74 to $14.85 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

To better assist residents, the Assessor's Office has updated online resources to include:

• A list of sales used in the revaluation process.
• Information on exemptions and credits for elderly, disabled, and Veterans.
• A link to GIS online, for property owners to view property record cards.

Property owners who believe their 2024 assessments are overstated have the option to file for an abatement. Applications are being accepted until March 1. For more information on the abatement process, visit www.rochesternh.gov/assessing/pages/abatements-and-appeals.

For additional questions or assistance, contact the Assessor's Office at (603) 332-5109 or visit www.rochesternh.gov/assessing.