Who Pays the Vacant Homes Tax?
October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
Generally, anyone who owns a residential property that was vacant for more than 182 days this year. Buildings with 2 or fewer units, including single family homes, are exempt. Condos in buildings with 3 or more units are not. *
So if you have a rental property that was vacant for more than 6 months, or a pied-a-terre/vacation home in SF, you might be subject to the tax.
There are various exemptions for construction projects, death of the owner, etc. and you can find those HERE on the city website.
It depends on square footage. Rates for 2024 are:
|
Square Footage of Residential Unit |
2024 Tax Rate |
|
Less than 1,000 |
$2,500 |
|
1,000 to 2,000 |
$3,500 |
|
Greater than 2,000 |
$5,000 |
In subsequent years, the amount of the tax will double. So if you pay $5,000 in 2024 and the unit is again vacant for more than 182 days in 2025, the tax for 2025 will be $10,000. *
*As always, consult your tax professional to determine whether or not you are subject to this tax, and what amount you owe.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
May 24, 2026
Check out our guide to the best of San Francisco’s summer activities, that will keep you and your family’s weekends packed with fun all summer long!
May 19, 2026
In the last two weeks, there have been 7 home sales in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. Closed listings range in price from $880,000 to $4,613,000. The clo… Read more
May 19, 2026
In the last two weeks, 8 homes sold in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood. The closed listings range in price from $1,100,000 to $4,789,423. The listings have a m… Read more
May 19, 2026
In the last two weeks, there have been 21 home sales in the Sunset District. Closed listings range in price from $1,450,000 to $3,500,000. The closed listings had a me… Read more
May 15, 2026
In the last two weeks, there has been 9 home sales in San Francisco's Westside neighborhoods. The closed listings range in price from $1,420,000 to $7,800,000. The clo… Read more
May 15, 2026
In the last two weeks, there have been 7 home sales in San Francisco's Portola and Excelsior neighborhood. The closed listings range in price from $901,500 to $1,320,0… Read more
May 14, 2026
Looking to reduce stress, improve cognition, and get a month's worth of endorphins in one shot? Make more time to play!Â
May 11, 2026
The strongest businesses aren’t just well-run — they’re well-rooted. Boutique plant shop Planterday was built with a clear commitment to the community it serves. For f… Read more
May 11, 2026
Looking to reduce stress, improve cognition, and get a month's worth of endorphins in one shot? Make more time to play!Â
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.
