What are special assessments in the context of real estate?

Special assessments refer specifically to taxes that are levied to fund particular public projects that benefit a specific group of properties, typically in a defined area. These assessments are separate from general property taxes, which provide funding for broader municipal services. Special assessments are often imposed for infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, streetlights, parks, or water and sewer systems, allowing local governments to gain funding for these projects directly based on the benefits they provide.

By contrast, fees charged for property repairs generally fall under maintenance costs rather than assessments associated with municipal projects. Costs linked with property inspections are distinct and deal with safety and regulatory compliance rather than funding improvements directly. Lastly, increases in property taxes based on revenue do not specifically denote assessments aimed at funding a particular project; rather, they relate to overall taxation of properties without a direct tie to the benefits received from specific public works. Therefore, identifying special assessments as taxes that fund specific public projects accurately captures their purpose and function in real estate.