Property Tax Policy and Housing Affordability

B-Tier
Journal: National Tax Journal
Year: 2024
Volume: 77
Issue: 4
Pages: 861 - 901

Authors (5)

Emily Horton (not in RePEc) Cameron LaPoint (Yale University) Byron Lutz (not in RePEc) Nathan Seegert (University of Utah) Jared Walczak (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.402 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We examine property tax reduction as a tool for increasing housing affordability. Analyzing various tax reduction policies through the lens of property tax incidence reveals a complex relationship between affordability and property taxes, with differential effects across demographic groups. Many policies often fail to improve affordability for young first-time homebuyers and renters, sometimes worsening affordability. We present a new nationwide atlas documenting the prevalence of local measures altering property tax burdens. Quasi-experimental evidence from Georgia’s homestead exemption valuation freezes suggests strong capitalization of assessment limits into home values, reinforcing that property tax relief may worsen affordability for first-time buyers.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:nattax:doi:10.1086/732777
Journal Field
Public
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-25