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.
November 18, 2025
In the last two weeks, there have been 15 home sales in the Sunset District. Closed listings range in price from $1,125,000 to $2,600,000. The closed listings had a me… Read more
November 18, 2025
November 18, 2025
November 12, 2025
Need a great HVAC company? We've got you! Today we're sitting down with Michael Forshey, owner/operator of Refreshed Heating and Cooling. Michael's team has completed … Read more
November 12, 2025
With our counsel, our clients decided to redraft their offer: $50,000 lower in price. The listing agent was, shall we say, incredulous. "Wait… your last offer was $… Read more
November 12, 2025
Even in our temperate Bay Area climate, the exterior of homes needs annual TLC. As a follow up to our interior maintenance checklist a couple of months ago, here's a t… Read more
November 8, 2025
In the last two weeks, there has been 14 home sales in San Francisco's Westside neighborhoods. The closed listings range in price from $1,300,000 to $4,550,000. The cl… Read more
November 8, 2025
In the last two weeks, there have been 14 home sales in San Francisco's Portola and Excelsior neighborhood. The closed listings range in price from $845,000 to $1,600,… Read more
November 5, 2025
Great at your job but terrible at negotiating your comp package? You're in good company! Fortunately, when it comes to getting paid what you're worth, you don't have… Read more
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.
