B
rookline is set to ask the state legislature for permission to implement a real estate transfer fee, following a Town Meeting vote in favor of a home rule petition. The proposed tax would be a one-time charge on property sales, paid by the seller, and could range from 0.5% to 2% of the sale price above a certain threshold. Supporters see it as a way to address affordable housing and ease municipal budget strain.

    The proposal, led by Town Meeting member Alec Lebovitz, would exempt transfers under $1 million and allow for exemptions in other situations. The revenue generated would be split between the town's general fund and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. If implemented, it could bring in an estimated $1.1 million to $14 million annually.

    Town Meeting also approved a resolution supporting legislation that would require landlords to pay broker fees, which are often equivalent to one month's rent. This change is seen as a way to make Brookline more financially accessible and reduce housing burdens.

    Additionally, Town Meeting passed several other resolutions, including declaring Brookline a "sanctuary town" for transgender and non-binary individuals, reaffirming the town's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and endorsing the national Back from the Brink platform on nuclear disarmament. Other measures approved include updates to bylaws related to firearms, zoning changes, and environmental initiatives.

    The transfer fee proposal is part of a growing statewide momentum for such policies, with Governor Healey supporting a similar bill. Town Meeting member Lebovitz noted that the policy is closer to passage than ever before, citing previous state Senate approval.