Private Transfer Taxes for New Home Buyers

An article in Realtor Magazine highlighted a new form of tax emerging from new home sales. Environmental groups, affordable housing associations, and private companies are pushing builders to include fees, for as long as 20 years, to help support their needs. Builders are able to win support from these groups who would otherwise stand in their way and oppose building and material use. In the end, buyers will pay for the fees. Some see it as a form of extortion. It is an unregulated form of taxing and could be risky for many.

Buyers should make sure they are represented by a real estate agent so appropriate information can be communicated.