Piret Kuusk, a pensioner residing in the Tähtvere district of Tartu, faces a significant increase in her land tax, which has reportedly risen tenfold. The house, built by her father in the early 1950s, is situated on a 1627 square meter plot. Previously, Kuusk paid a nominal land tax, approximately 50 euros, which reflects the low tax rate associated with her property for many years.

This sudden spike in land tax has raised concerns about the affordability of property ownership for long-time residents like Kuusk, especially as the city's financial policies change and property valuations are reassessed. The increase not only affects Kuusk financially but might also signal a larger trend in Tartu, where urban development is leading to rising property values and associated taxes that could pressure long-standing residents.

As cities evolve and property markets fluctuate, issues like Kuusk's land tax hike can become emblematic of broader socio-economic changes, raising questions about housing affordability and the sustainability of neighborhood dynamics in Tartu. Such increases could drive residents to reconsider staying in their family homes, thereby impacting community stability and the retention of historical residences.