What does horizontal equity refer to in the context of property groups?

Horizontal equity in the context of property groups refers to the principle of fairness in the assessment of similar properties. This means that properties that are similar in characteristics, such as size, location, and type, should be treated equally in terms of valuation and taxation.

When considering horizontal equity, the focus is on ensuring that comparable properties are valued at similar levels, thereby promoting an equitable distribution of tax burdens among property owners. This approach helps to uphold fairness within neighborhoods and among different property types, as it seeks to eliminate discrepancies that could arise from varying assessment practices.

In contrast, other concepts such as equity among homeowners, property taxes, or sales prices address different aspects. For instance, equity among homeowners may not directly address valuation fairness; equity in property taxes can refer to how tax burdens are allocated but doesn't specifically cover property assessment levels; and equity among sales prices generally pertains to market valuation rather than the assessment process. Hence, choice B aligns with the fundamental definition of horizontal equity as it relates to property groups.