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HD 4839

An Act authorizing the town of Eastham to impose a 3% real estate transfer fee

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hadley Luddy

Eastham, MA would be authorized to impose a 3% real estate transfer tax, generating local revenue but potentially reducing housing affordability and property transaction volume.

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Bill Summary · HD 4839

Legislative bill overview

HD 4839 grants the town of Eastham authorization to impose a 3% tax on real estate property transfers within its jurisdiction. This is a local option bill that would allow Eastham to levy this fee on buyers or sellers when property changes hands, similar to transfer taxes that exist in other municipalities and states.

Why is this important

Real estate transfer fees generate local revenue without raising property tax rates, which is significant in Massachusetts where property taxes are a major funding source for schools and services. For Eastham specifically, this could provide dedicated funding for town operations, though it may affect housing affordability and property transaction rates in the community.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing affordability impact: A 3% transfer fee adds significant cost to home purchases, potentially pricing out first-time buyers and reducing market activity in an already expensive Massachusetts real estate market
  • Competitiveness with neighboring towns: Buyers and sellers may shift transactions to adjacent municipalities without similar fees, reducing the actual revenue generated and potentially hurting local real estate agents
  • Incidence of burden: Unclear legislative language about whether buyers or sellers bear the fee could create market distortions or disputes; the fee may ultimately be passed to buyers, affecting affordability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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