Massachusetts House Bill H2801

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Establishing a real estate transfer fee upon the transfer of property in the town of Arlington

Impact

The proposed fee would affect any transfer of real property exceeding a specific price threshold, defined between 50 to 150 percent of the state median sale price of single-family homes. The fee would range from 0.05 percent to 2 percent of the transfer price and may be imposed on the buyer, seller, or both, depending on local decisions. This legislation represents a shift in local tax policy, allowing Arlington to have more direct control over revenue generation in relation to real estate transactions.

Summary

House Bill 2801 aims to establish a real estate transfer fee applicable to property transfers within the town of Arlington, Massachusetts. The intent behind this legislation is to generate revenue that would be directed towards affordable housing initiatives in the town. This bill would allow the local town meeting to set the terms for the fee, including threshold prices and rates for the transfer of property, ensuring that it scales appropriately with the local real estate market.

Contention

While the bill has received local approval and has a clear target of funding affordable housing projects, it may face scrutiny concerning its implications for property owners and potential burdens on the real estate market. Critics might argue about the fairness and competitiveness of introducing such fees, particularly in a potentially volatile housing market. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how this measure could impact home sales and housing affordability during its implementation.

Exemptions

Certain property transfers would be exempt from this fee, including those below the specified price thresholds, transfers made as gifts, and those involving affordable housing. These exemptions aim to mitigate the bill's impact on low-income residents and to promote housing stability, but the criteria for these exemptions will need to be clearly defined and communicated to ensure compliance and clarity.