Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Who Pays the Vacant Homes Tax?

October 28, 2024

Top Real Estate Agents in San Francisco, Pacific Edge Real Estate Group

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. 

How much is the vacant homes tax?

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.

 

Brought to you by the top real estate agents at Pacific Edge Real Estate Group

 

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

HomeLight

September 15, 2025

One of the most common issues for homeowners wanting to make a move is coming up with the down payment. There's equity in the departing residence, but trying to sell b… Read more

FEATURED SMALL BUSINESS: Last Mile and CaliKites

September 15, 2025

Today we're talking with Brian Schwartz, owner of Last Mile and CaliKites, two sweet destinations for cool gear. Last Mile specializes in personal electric vehicles an… Read more

Interior Home Maintenance Checklist:

September 15, 2025

You know the saying… "a stitch in time"? Well it goes double for home maintenance. A little attention to the items below can save a ton of money and headache, and prot… Read more

Automated Home Valuations - How accurate are Zestimates anyway?

September 15, 2025

As you can imagine, online tools can't process information they don't have. Among other things, they can't "see" functional space that wasn't permitted, upgrades perfo… Read more

Top Real Estate Agent in San Francisco Bernal Heights, Alec Mironov Real Estate Agent
Bernal Heights Real Estate Market Update

September 9, 2025

In the last two weeks, there have been 3 home sales in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. Closed listings range in price from $1,068,000 to $2,205,000. The c… Read more

Top real estate agents in San Francisco's Sunset District, Alec Mironov with Pacific Edge Real Estate Group
Sunset District Real Estate Market Update

September 9, 2025

In the last two weeks, there have been 10 home sales in the Sunset District. Closed listings range in price from $910,000 to $2,088,000. The closed listings had a medi… Read more

Top real estate agent in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood, Alec Mironov with Pacific Edge Real Estate Group.
Noe Valley San Francisco Market Update

September 9, 2025

In the last two weeks, 7 homes sold in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood. The closed listings range in price from $1,078,00 to $9,600,000. The listings have a me… Read more

Live real estate data for West Portal, Forest Hill, Inner Parkside, Golden Gate Heights, Forest Knolls, St Francis Wood, Miraloma Park, and Sherwood Forest.
Westside San Francisco Market Update

September 7, 2025

In the last two weeks, there has been 8 home sales in San Francisco's Westside neighborhoods. The closed listings range in price from $750,000 to $4,980,000. The close… Read more

Top Real Estate Agent in San Francisco Portola Neighborhood Specialist, Sean Komarmy
Portola Real Estate Market Update

September 1, 2025

In the last two weeks, there have been 6 home sales in San Francisco's Portola and Excelsior neighborhood. The closed listings range in price from $820,000 to $1,650,0… Read more

Let's Talk

You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.