Commercial and office building owners in New York State should be aware of the potential impact of Boston’s office real estate downturn on their property values, and subsequently their property taxes. Boston’s experience, outlined in this post, highlights similar vulnerabilities faced by urban centers like those throughout NY State, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect investments. As economic conditions shift, property values will fluctuate, in turn affecting property tax assessments. In such times, office building owners will find it necessary and strategic to grieve their property taxes to reflect these changing values accurately.

Boston’s office real estate market is undergoing a seismic shift, with significant implications for the city’s fiscal health and economic vitality. As office values plummet and vacancies soar, Boston faces a daunting revenue shortfall projected to exceed $1 billion over the next five years. This article explores the factors driving this decline in Boston’s commercial real estate market, as outlined in the Feb 2024 “The Fiscal Fallout of Boston’s Empty Offices” report from the Boston Policy Institute, and its broader implications for commercial property owners in New York. A full copy of the report is available below. We’ll also examine the crucial link between real estate downturns and property tax grievances.

Boston’s heavy reliance on commercial property taxes, comprising over one-third of its tax revenue, leaves the city particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in real estate values. With the expected decline in office space values by 20-30% and overall commercial real estate prices by 12-18% by 2029, Boston faces a staggering cumulative revenue shortfall of $1.2 to $1.5 billion over the next five years. This enduring challenge signals a “new normal” where annual tax collections could lag significantly behind previous trends, impacting essential public services and economic stability.

Unlike other major U.S. cities, Boston lacks flexibility with local sales and income taxes, limiting options for revenue generation. Additionally, Boston’s higher tax rate on commercial properties complicates efforts to balance the budget through residential tax increases or property conversions.

Navigating Policy Responses:

Addressing Boston’s fiscal crisis requires innovative policy responses. Traditional approaches like raising residential property taxes face limitations and could exacerbate economic disparities. Alternative measures, such as granting Boston new taxing authority or providing state aid, offer potential solutions but come with their own challenges and trade-offs. Balancing the need for revenue generation with considerations of economic resilience and equity is paramount in charting a sustainable path forward.

As Boston grapples with the fallout from its empty offices, the implications extend far beyond its city limits. The convergence of real estate downturns along with rising fiscal challenges underscore the need for proactive strategies to safeguard municipal finances and promote economic resilience. What sets Boston apart and makes the city particularly vulnerable is its heavy reliance on commercial property taxes. Unlike other major U.S. cities such as New York, Houston, and Chicago, which collect between 5 and 15% of their revenue from commercial properties like office spaces, Boston’s dependence on commercial property taxes exceeds one-third of its tax revenue.

Comparing Boston’s scenario to commercial real estate in New York State underscores the shared challenges of declining office values and revenue shortfalls. While each city’s dynamics vary, the overarching trends are relevant and emphasizs the importance of staying informed and adapting strategies to navigate these times effectively. At Realty Tax Challenge, we are experts in property tax grievance and valuation. We work with office and commercial building owners to advocate for fair assessments that reflect current market conditions. We can help you navigate the complexities of property tax assessment appeals, ensuring that your property taxes align with the realities of the market.

BPI Fiscal Fallout Report