From Advocacy to Action: Ohio REALTORS at the Statehouse in 2025
In 2025, housing policy and property taxes took center stage on the Statehouse agenda. Homeowners felt the pressure of rising costs, communities struggled to keep pace with demand, and as a result, lawmakers debated how to address affordability and protect consumers across Ohio. Ohio REALTORS® stayed engaged to ensure the real-world impact of policy decisions was not overlooked.
Across housing, taxes, and consumer protections, 2025 delivered real outcomes through sustained advocacy. Below are some 2025 highlights:
Landmark Property Tax Reform Becomes Law
Property tax reform was the defining issue of the year, and we were able to finally deliver meaningful results to homeowners. Governor DeWine signed a comprehensive property tax reform package that included the most significant changes to Ohio’s property tax system in decades. Together, these reforms are expected to deliver more than $3 billion in relief to Ohio homeowners.
The new laws will put long-overdue guardrails on unvoted tax growth, close loopholes in the 20-mill floor, and strengthen levy oversight. Importantly, they address the automatic tax spikes many homeowners have experienced simply because property values increased, without any new vote at the ballot box.
These changes will take effect with 2026 tax bills, bringing greater predictability, transparency, and fairness to Ohio’s property tax system. They are also the result of more than a year of persistent advocacy by Ohio REALTORS®, including extensive testimony, member engagement, and continued pressure even after earlier reform efforts were vetoed.
A key part of this effort was coalition building. Ohio REALTORS® partnered with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the County Auditors Association of Ohio, and former Ohio Tax Commissioner Tom Zaino to form the Ohio Taxpayer Protection Coalition. With shared goals in place, the coalition strengthened the case for reform and built momentum for action.
Find more information about the property tax reforms and their impacts here.
Wholesaling Reform: A Longstanding Priority Achieved
Alongside property tax reform, another long-standing REALTOR® priority crossed the finish line. In November, Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 155, marking Ohio’s first major effort to regulate real estate wholesaling and strengthen consumer protections.
For years, Ohio REALTORS® warned lawmakers about abusive wholesaling practices that target vulnerable homeowners and create confusion in real estate transactions. Senate Bill 155 responded by requiring wholesalers to provide clear, upfront disclosures before entering into a contract. Homeowners must be informed of the wholesaler’s role, their right to seek legal advice, and the possibility that their property may be sold below market value.
If a required disclosure is not provided and signed, the property owner may cancel the contract at any time before closing, and violations are enforceable under the Consumer Sales Practices Act.
For Ohio REALTORS®, this legislation reflects years of work, bipartisan cooperation, and a hard-fought win rooted in consumer protection and market integrity. Find more information about this law and its requirements here.
Major Wins in Ohio’s Two-Year Operating Budget
Ohio REALTORS® also played a critical role in shaping the state’s two-year operating budget, House Bill 96, which Governor DeWine signed into law in June. The budget finalizes approximately $200 billion in state and federal spending through 2027 and includes significant housing and development provisions, even as the Governor issued 67 vetoes, which was the most of his tenure.
The final budget delivered several REALTOR® priorities. It made technical improvements to the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program, helping sustain a popular and effective savings tool that has already opened over 20,000 accounts. It also closed property tax challenge loopholes, building on earlier reforms to protect homeowners from aggressive valuation challenges.
The budget also supported housing development: it raised the threshold for township zoning referendum petitions, which will reduce barriers that have stalled new housing projects. It also authorized the Board of Building Standards to establish rules allowing third-party plan review and inspections, which will help local jurisdictions move projects forward more efficiently.
The budget invested heavily in redevelopment and growth, including $200 million for brownfield remediation, expansion of the Historic Building Rehabilitation to $75 million, Transformational Mixed-Use Development and Opportunity Zone tax credits to $125 million, and the creation of $25 million in new Residential Economic Development District grants tied to pro-housing local policies.
Additional wins included expanded eligibility for the Welcome Home Ohio program, increased lead abatement tax credits, and faster access to civil remedies in housing discrimination cases.
Find more information about operating budget wins here.
Expanding Housing Supply and Development Tools
Beyond budget policy, Ohio REALTORS® continued advocating for long-term housing solutions.
The implementation of the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Program, created in the operating budget, supports communities near major economic development projects, offering grant funding tied to policies that encourage density, infrastructure investment, and streamlined approvals. It is an effort to increase supply and help communities say yes to housing. Applications to the program opened on December 16, 2025, and will be reviewed on a rolling 30-day cycle until funds are depleted.
Find more information about the REDD Program here.
Navigating Complex and Emerging Policy Issues
Ohio REALTORS® also remained actively engaged on emerging and complex issues. Testimony on House Bill 1 addressed national security concerns related to foreign property ownership while warning against overly broad restrictions that could disrupt everyday residential transactions and expose the state to legal challenges.
In addition, Ohio REALTORS® supported the memorandum of understanding between Ohio and Kentucky to recognize real estate licenses across state lines. The agreement clarifies existing law, protects Ohio’s licensing standards, and expands professional mobility for real estate practitioners.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Ohio REALTORS® members helped shape key wins at the Statehouse, proving once again the power of a united, engaged industry. Property tax relief and wholesaling reform are now law. Budget investments will shape housing and development for years to come. And next year, Ohio REALTORS® will remain a steady force at the Statehouse, navigating new challenges and advancing solutions that make a difference.
