Select Board backs local-option real-estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing; staff analysis shows modest potential revenue

The Acton Select Board on Sept. 8 approved a letter endorsing state legislation that would let cities and towns adopt a local-option real-estate transfer fee on high-value transactions, with revenues dedicated to affordable-housing programs.

Bob, speaking for the Acton Community Housing Corporation (ACHC), presented a preliminary town analysis: "On that basis, in 2024, if a fee had been in place at that level, it would have generated about $557,000 for the town," he said. The figure assumed a fee set at the low end of proposals (0.5% applied only to the portion of the sale price above $1,000,000 or above the county median, whichever is lower).

Why it matters: proponents say the fee would create a predictable, locally controlled revenue stream for affordable-housing projects and upkeep that…