If you own a home in Leland, or you’re shopping for one in Brunswick Forest, Westgate, Magnolia Greens, or any of the neighborhoods off U.S. 17, two conversations happening right now are worth following. Leland Town Council has started early talks about its next budget, including the idea of trimming the town’s property tax rate. At the same time, Brunswick County is in the middle of a countywide property revaluation that takes effect January 1, 2027.
Neither one changes your tax bill today. But together, they’ll shape what Leland homeowners pay starting with the bills that go out in summer 2027, and they’re worth understanding whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put.
What Leland Town Council is discussing
According to North Brunswick News (Oct. 16, 2026, updated Oct. 23), council members used an October agenda meeting to start shaping the fiscal year 2027-28 budget. They didn’t approve funding for anything yet, but they reached consensus on a few priorities:
- Possible tax relief. Council Member Frank Pendleton proposed cutting the town’s property tax rate by 3% to 5%, pointing to Leland’s growth, annexations, and rising sales tax revenue. Other members were interested but wanted updated financial numbers first, especially with the county revaluation coming. No specific reduction was agreed on.
- Unpaved roads. The town’s Unpaved Road Improvements project covers paving, drainage, curb and gutter, and sidewalks on several streets, including a section of Appleton Way. Pendleton argued unpaved streets in older neighborhoods should come ahead of resurfacing work. The town reports design plans are still being revised and no contractor has been named.
- Pedestrian safety. Council Member Veronica Carter raised a striped crosswalk in the Westgate area near apartments and a school bus stop that lacks flashing beacons. Staff said a basic set of crossing lights runs about $10,000 before electrical work, while a crossing over U.S. 17 was estimated at roughly $800,000.
- Beautification and parks. Members agreed to pursue a townwide beautification plan and asked staff for cost estimates on park and transportation projects.
The budget timeline
The same report lays out the calendar: council reviews budget goals Jan. 19, gets an initial overview Feb. 15 (when members are expected to give direction on a target tax rate), sees a balanced budget March 18, holds a public hearing April 15, and considers adoption May 20. The new budget takes effect July 1, 2027.
Brunswick County’s 2027 revaluation, in plain terms
North Carolina requires counties to reappraise real property periodically. Brunswick County’s current assessed values reflect the market as of January 1, 2023, and the county’s 2027 Revaluation page explains that every property is being revalued to its market value as of January 1, 2027.
Here’s what the county says to expect:
- Notices showing new values should arrive between February and March 2027.
- Homes still under construction on January 1 are valued by their percentage of completion on that date.
- New values will show up on the tax bills mailed in July 2027.
- Owners can request an informal review, then a formal appeal once the Board of Equalization and Review convenes. The appeal window closes when that board adjourns, which can be as early as April 1.
The most important point: a new value doesn’t automatically mean a matching jump in your bill. The county stresses that revaluation sets values, not tax rates. The Brunswick County commissioners set the county rate, and Leland Town Council sets the town rate, each during its own budget process before July 1.
Why the two stories connect
That’s exactly why Leland’s council wanted more information before picking a tax-cut target. If values across town rise after the revaluation, the town could collect the same revenue, or more, at a lower rate. Watch for two numbers next spring: the county’s “revenue-neutral” rate, which North Carolina law requires local governments to publish in a revaluation year, and the rates the county and town actually adopt. Your real bill depends on both.
What this means for you
If you own a home in Leland
- Open your revaluation notice as soon as it arrives and check the details on your property record card, like square footage and lot information.
- If the value looks off compared with similar homes, request an informal review early rather than waiting for the deadline.
- If you’re on an unpaved street or near a crossing that’s been discussed, council meetings this winter are a good time to speak up.
If you’re buying in Leland
- Current tax records for a listing reflect 2023 values. Budget for the possibility that the assessed value changes in 2027, and ask your lender how they’re estimating taxes in your payment.
- If you’re buying new construction, remember the January 1 rule: a home partway built on that date is valued by its completion percentage, and the full value follows the next year.
If you’re selling
- Buyers moving here from higher-tax states often see Brunswick County’s rates as a plus. Be ready to explain that 2027 values are coming and that rates are set separately.
- Improvements the town is planning, from paving to pedestrian safety, can be worth mentioning when they affect your street.
FAQ
Is Leland lowering property taxes?
Not yet. A 3% to 5% reduction was proposed in October, but council made no decision. The rate will be set as part of the 2027-28 budget, which is scheduled for adoption consideration May 20, 2027.
When will I get my new Brunswick County property value?
The county says notices go out between February and March 2027, with the new values reflected on July 2027 tax bills.
Can I appeal my new value?
Yes. Start with an informal review through the county tax office. Appeals become formal once the Board of Equalization and Review convenes, and the window closes when that board adjourns.
Does revaluation affect Leland homes in other counties?
Leland is in Brunswick County, so this revaluation applies to Leland properties. Neighbors across the river in New Hanover or Pender follow their own county schedules.
Talk it through with a local team
Taxes are one piece of the total cost of owning a home in Leland, and they’re easy to overlook when you’re comparing neighborhoods. If you’d like help understanding what a specific home might cost to own, or how the 2027 revaluation could factor into your timing, reach out to Aspyre Collective. We’re happy to walk you through it.
