Villingen-Schwenningen: Top placement in the property tax ranking inspires citizens!

Villingen-Schwenningen: Top placement in the property tax ranking inspires citizens!

Villingen-Schwenningen is causing a stir in the nationwide property tax ranking! The city has secured a top position and is ranked 9th among the 100 largest cities in Germany! This was announced by the Haus & Grund Schwarzwald-Baar owners' association on the nationwide day of action for the new property tax. The large comparative study determined the property tax burden for a typical single-family home in rival cities, and the results are clear: the largest discrepancy between the most expensive and cheapest city is an incredible 436 euros!

Wow! In Regensburg, home builders only pay 395 euros in property tax – what a bargain! In contrast, in Villingen-Schwenningen you have to pay 445 euros. Offenbach is a completely different caliber: luxury tax of 895 euros! And the frontrunner Witten? No less than 910 euros annually! But don't worry: The homeowners association praises the city for its fair and balanced property tax burden compared to other cities. Only 26 cities have increased their assessment rates by more than 20 percent since 2021, which shows that Villingen-Schwenningen is getting off relatively lightly!

Court ruling causes excitement!

But now the city is facing a new challenge! A recent court ruling is forcing the city to adjust its property tax assessment rate. The rate is currently an impressive 455. This makes it even more explosive: this adjustment must be revenue-neutral! This means that Villingen-Schwenningen is not allowed to take in more money than before - a tricky matter. The Ministry of Finance's transparency register shows a scope for the new assessment rate of 388 to 428 - and that is causing uncertainty among local homeowners!

Uncertain future for owners

How high the new assessment rate will actually be in 2025 is anyone's guess! The city administration does not yet have any concrete information and must first coordinate with other authorities. What is clear is that owners of single-family and two-family homes will have to expect an increase, while commercial owners and owners of apartments will probably be relieved. According to the city treasurer, undeveloped properties are particularly affected by significant tax increases. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop as the city strives to meet the expectations of its citizens and not introduce hidden tax increases!