Core Insights - Retirees are facing financial pressure due to rising property tax bills that have doubled or tripled, despite their fixed incomes from Social Security and pensions [2][3][15] - The increase in property taxes is linked to surging home values, particularly during the pandemic, which has led to reassessments that do not consider the financial realities of retirees [2][15] - Inflation, which rose 2.0% year-over-year through December 2025, further erodes the purchasing power of retirees, making it difficult to manage essential expenses [4] Property Tax Dynamics - Property taxes are determined by assessed values and millage rates, with local assessors setting market values that lead to proportional tax increases as home values rise [14] - The Vanguard Real Estate ETF saw a 53% increase from 2005 to early 2026, with significant spikes during the pandemic, impacting property tax assessments for retirees [8][15] Market Trends - Many states reassess property values on different schedules, ranging from annual to five-year cycles, with some waiting up to 10 years, leading to tax bills based on peak valuations [15] - Housing starts have fallen by 16.4% year-over-year, indicating potential market softening, yet retirees are still facing high tax bills based on inflated property values [15] Relief Programs - Various states offer homestead exemptions that can reduce assessed values for primary residences, along with additional senior exemptions or property tax freezes for eligible homeowners over 65 [16][17] - California has a Property Tax Postponement Program allowing seniors to defer taxes as a lien against their home, while other states have circuit breaker programs that limit property taxes as a percentage of income [17]