Cape Cod Assembly Hears Input on Luxury Real Estate Transfer Fee: Differing Opinions on Local Control
Delegates to Draft Petition to Legislature Informed by Town Officials and Public
September 25, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates heard both support and some caution at a public hearing as town officials, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and residents weighed in on a proposed luxury real estate transfer fee petition to the Massachusetts Legislature, with backers calling it a vital tool to address Cape Cod’s housing crisis and others warning about potential impacts on local control and homeowners.
Delegates focused the discussion on a version of the measure that would allow towns to opt in to collect the fee on high-end property sales, with nearly all the proceeds going back to towns to address housing. Rates could range between 0.5% and 4% on sales of over $1 million or a higher amount set by towns.
“We’ve had a number of individual conversations with communities and residents to hear as many voices as we can and are grateful for people’s participation,” said Yarmouth Delegate Susan Warner. “We must find a way to bring in a revenue stream that can help people with housing, especially those who can’t afford to live here but actually work here.”
Business and advocacy leaders stressed the proposal’s potential. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki backed a regional approach, arguing that pooling resources could deliver larger, faster results. “Pooling resources at the county level allows for efficiency, scale and the ability to take on transformative projects, things that individual towns could not accomplish on their own, creating the ability to invest quickly in strategies that deliver results,” said Niedzwiecki. “What makes the concept of a regional approach powerful is the ability to act together.”
Wellfleet Select Board Member John Wolf raised the point that a regional home rule could be the vehicle to implement a policy that the towns have been championing for years. “I don’t need to reiterate the critical need of affordable housing, especially on the outer Cape. Home Rule petitions have not been doing too well in the legislature on the town level. I understand that there might be some more horsepower if it’s done on the county level,” said Wolf.
Falmouth Select Board Member Jack Richardson, a recent college graduate, called for bold action and tiered rates on luxury sales. “Almost all of my friends have moved away and have no plans to return because they simply cannot afford to live here, this housing crisis is an existential threat,” said Richardson.
His colleague, Falmouth Select Board Member Doug Brown, urged local control. “Let towns take the lead because each has their own unique needs and unique ideas of how they would apply the fee. I think it’s really a local decision,” he said.
Wellfleet Select Board member Ryan Curley echoed that concern. “The housing crisis is most acute in areas with the highest sale prices, and any funds generated in these areas must support those who are most negatively impacted,” he said.
Assembly Speaker Randi Potash of Chatham closed the hearing by announcing a drafting group to develop a detailed proposal. The plan will be reviewed by the Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee in October, with more public meetings to follow before a final vote.
ABOUT THE ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATES The Assembly of Delegates is the legislative branch of Cape Cod Regional Government. It is composed of 15 delegates—one elected from each town—with votes weighted by population, who make laws, set policies, and approve spending.
