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Weekend Pundit · 11-23-2006, 10:34 AM

The big problem is that the so-called view tax is very subjective and not easily factored in. That is one of the biggest gripes that I think many have about it. Things like the number of bedrooms, baths, etc are easily quantified and can be plugged into a formula. A view, on the other hand, is not something that can easily be calculated.

One assessor may say a view adds 20% to the value of a property. Another may say it adds 150%. Which one is right?

Can a view be graded? Does a spectacular view of the lakes and the mountains add more value than a view of the Broads? Does a bad view, like of a factory or a landfill, decrease the value of a property?

One case where this 'view tax' has hurt an operating farm is the Gould Hill Orchard in Hopkinton. The owner's new tax bill came in on his 80 acre orchard and his taxes went up from ~$22,000 to $70,000- that's about $200 per day - which will force him to sell off the farm because he can no longer afford the taxes. An orchard that has been in operation for 242 years will cease to exist all because his farm has a view of the mountains to the north. I'm sorry, but that's just so wrong on so many levels.

11-23-2006, 10:34 AM	#45
Weekend Pundit Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilford Posts: 345 Thanks: 26 Thanked 69 Times in 42 Posts	'View Tax' Is Too Subjective The big problem is that the so-called view tax is very subjective and not easily factored in. That is one of the biggest gripes that I think many have about it. Things like the number of bedrooms, baths, etc are easily quantified and can be plugged into a formula. A view, on the other hand, is not something that can easily be calculated. One assessor may say a view adds 20% to the value of a property. Another may say it adds 150%. Which one is right? Can a view be graded? Does a spectacular view of the lakes and the mountains add more value than a view of the Broads? Does a bad view, like of a factory or a landfill, decrease the value of a property? One case where this 'view tax' has hurt an operating farm is the Gould Hill Orchard in Hopkinton. The owner's new tax bill came in on his 80 acre orchard and his taxes went up from ~$22,000 to $70,000- that's about $200 per day - which will force him to sell off the farm because he can no longer afford the taxes. An orchard that has been in operation for 242 years will cease to exist all because his farm has a view of the mountains to the north. I'm sorry, but that's just so wrong on so many levels.