Property taxes rise higher than expected... again

Property tax rose by an average of 3.4 percent this year compared to 2014. This means that municipalities are not adhering to the agreement with the government that assumed a maximum increase 3 percent. This is according to the annual study done by Marlyse Research commissioned by Vereniging Eigen Huis (VEH) into municipal housing costs. The study revealed large differences between the municipalities. Some municipalities increased property tax significantly, like Muiden (+44 percent), Veendam (+33 percent) and Boekel (+30 percent). According to VEH, the significant increase in Muiden can be explained by the municipality being under guardianship of the province Noord-Holland. The total housing costs (property tax, waste and sewage charges) increased the most in the municipalities Zwartewaterland and Oirschot with an average of 20 percent. Wassenaar is the most expensive place to be a homeowner with an average of 1,212 euros going to housing costs. At an average housing costs bill of 527 euros, Hellevoetsluis the cheapest. VEH sent a letter to all municipalities that increased property tax by 10 percent or more this year asking that the municipalities explain the high increase to homeowners, who often have no idea why the costs rise so sharply.