Hamilton County Transfer Tax Increase Withdrawn After Strong REALTOR® Advocacy
RAGC–Ohio REALTORS® Partnership Helps Protect Homeowners From Proposed 1-Mill Hike
By Veronica Cardello, AVP External Engagement
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) recently secured a significant win for homeowners and property owners in Hamilton County. After proposing a 1-mill increase to the real estate transfer tax, county officials ultimately withdrew the idea from the 2026 budget following strong feedback from the real estate community.
RAGC brought together residential and commercial REALTORS®, lenders, Realtists, homebuilders, investors, and housing partners to outline how a higher transfer tax would affect affordability, mobility, and equity across the county. Their organized presence at public hearings and the clear data and stories they shared played a major role in guiding the conversation with county leaders.
Ohio REALTORS® supported RAGC’s efforts by helping amplify member engagement and ensuring the wider industry understood the implications of the proposal. That coordination paid off, more than 500 REALTORS® and community members responded to RAGC’s Call for Action, underscoring how strongly the housing community opposed the transfer tax increase.
Advocates emphasized that any increase would add pressure to an already challenging housing market, limiting opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors. Their message focused on four key themes:
- Market stability: Higher transaction costs could slow sales and discourage mobility at a time when affordability remains strained.
- Affordability and access: Even modest increases at closing can derail transactions, particularly for first-time buyers or those working with tight financial margins.
- Equity considerations: A tax hike would disproportionately affect small landlords and communities of color, widening existing gaps in homeownership and wealth-building.
- Responsible fiscal planning: Advocates encouraged county leaders to consider balanced, long-term revenue strategies that don’t create additional barriers for homeowners.
The decision to remove the proposed tax increase reflects the power of coordinated, informed advocacy. RAGC’s leadership, member involvement, and collaboration with partners across the real estate community ensured that decision-makers had a clear understanding of the proposal’s potential consequences.
Ohio REALTORS® congratulate RAGC and the Greater Cincinnati real estate community on this outcome and appreciate the opportunity to support their work in protecting housing affordability and consumer opportunity.
Click here to read the full Advocacy in Action update.
Veronica Cardello, AHWD, C2EX,MPAP
Veronica Cardello leads local advocacy, community engagement, and global business initiatives for Ohio REALTORS®. She works closely with local associations to identify key issues affecting the real estate industry and directs support through the Issues Mobilization Campaign. Veronica strengthens REALTOR®-policymaker relationships, expands global partnerships, and promotes sustainability in real estate. She also oversees local government and community engagement programs, ensuring REALTORS® have the resources to advocate for homeownership and property rights while advancing Ohio REALTORS®’ international outreach.
