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Bill

SB 81

increasing the annual real estate transfer tax revenue contribution and making an appropriation to the affordable housing fund.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Altschiller and 10 co-sponsors

Bill increases real estate transfer tax contributions to affordable housing fund but failed passage after Senate deemed it inexpedient to legislate.

Inexpedient to Legislate, Senate Rule 3-23, 10/31/2025; SJ 1
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Bill Summary · SB 81

Legislative bill overview

SB 81 proposes increasing the annual contribution from New Hampshire's real estate transfer tax to the state's affordable housing fund. The bill would redirect additional revenue from property transfer taxes to dedicated affordable housing initiatives. As of the most recent action, the bill was voted "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on October 31, 2025, effectively ending its consideration.

Why is this important

Housing affordability is a critical issue in New Hampshire, where rising property values have outpaced wage growth in many regions. Dedicated funding mechanisms can provide sustained resources for affordable housing development, rental assistance, or preservation programs. However, the bill's failure suggests lawmakers had concerns about the approach or its fiscal implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax burden on property transactions: Increasing transfer tax contributions may be viewed as discouraging real estate sales or burdening homebuyers and sellers during an economically sensitive transaction
  • Funding source trade-offs: Diverting real estate tax revenue raises questions about which existing programs or services would lose funding elsewhere in the state budget
  • Effectiveness of mechanism: Debate likely exists over whether a transfer tax increase is the most efficient way to address affordable housing versus alternative funding sources or policy approaches

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

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