If I Appeal My BC Assessment, Can My Assessment Go Higher?

Applies to British Columbia, including Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
Last updated: 2026-01-02

This is one of the most common and reasonable questions homeowners ask before filing an assessment appeal. The short answer is yes, it is possible for an assessment to increase after an appeal in British Columbia.

That risk doesn’t mean appeals should be avoided. It does mean homeowners should understand how the process works, what evidence is reviewed, and when an appeal actually makes sense. Mansour Real Estate Group often helps homeowners evaluate this risk before any formal step is taken.

The direct answer most people need

• Yes, an assessment can go up as a result of a review or appeal.
• This happens when evidence supports a higher value as of the valuation date.
• The review process looks at accuracy, not whether a change helps or hurts the owner.
• Most increases occur when incorrect or incomplete data is uncovered.
• Appeals are about facts, not negotiation.

Why increases are allowed under BC law

The assessment system in BC is designed to correct inaccuracies, not only reduce values. When a review or appeal is filed, BC Assessment and appeal panels are permitted to adjust the value up or down if the evidence supports it.

Situations where an increase is more likely

• Square footage, lot size, or building details are understated.
• Permitted renovations or additions were not previously captured.
• The property is compared to weaker sales while stronger comparables exist.
• Classification or use was incorrectly recorded.

Situations where the risk is usually low

If the issue is a clear factual error or if comparable sales around the valuation date strongly support a lower value, the risk of an increase is typically limited. That said, it is never zero.

How the valuation date limits the scope

Any change, up or down, must be justified based on the valuation date, usually July 1 of the previous year. Later sales or market shifts are not supposed to drive the decision.

Common questions homeowners ask

Does BC Assessment warn me if my value might go up?
No. The review process is neutral and focuses on accuracy, not outcomes.

Can I stop an appeal if I get concerned?
Yes. Appeals can often be withdrawn before a decision is issued.

Is an increase common?
It happens, but most appeals do not result in increases.

Will an increase affect future years?
Potentially. The adjusted value becomes part of the assessment baseline going forward.

Should fear of an increase stop me from appealing?
Not automatically. It should factor into a risk-based decision.

How to decide whether the risk is worth it

The decision should be based on evidence strength, potential downside, and your broader plans for the property. Mansour Real Estate Group helps homeowners assess whether an appeal is a calculated step or an unnecessary gamble.

Related reads in this BC Assessment series

How Do I Appeal My BC Assessment If I Disagree With It?
What Are the Deadlines to Appeal My BC Assessment Value?
How Does BC Assessment Determine the Value of My Home?

Official sources and resources

BC Assessment
Property Assessment Appeal Board
BC Assessment, About Appeals

In Summary

Yes, a BC Assessment appeal can result in a higher value if evidence supports it. Understanding that risk, and weighing it against the strength of your case, is key to making a smart decision rather than an emotional one.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, supports homeowners across Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Lower Mainland. With over 22 years of experience and more than $780 million in completed transactions, the team provides valuation-driven guidance focused on timing, risk, and complex real estate decisions.