Orangetown Voters Approve New Real Estate Transfer Tax to Fund Land Preservation
Voters in the Town of Orangetown in Rockland County approved Proposition 2 in the November 3 general election, authorizing a new real estate transfer tax to fund land conservation, historic preservation and other community preservation initiatives.
According to unofficial results from the Rockland County Board of Elections, the proposition received 16,487 votes in favor and 4,520 against, representing approximately 78.5 percent approval.
The measure authorizes a one-time transfer tax of 0.3 percent on qualifying real estate transactions, generally paid by the purchaser at closing. Under the town's adopted legislation, the first $100,000 of the purchase price of improved property is exempt from the tax, while the first $50,000 is exempt for unimproved property.
For example, the tax on a qualifying $700,000 residential purchase would be approximately $1,800, adding to the buyer's closing costs.
Revenue will be deposited into Orangetown's Community Preservation Fund and used for eligible purposes, including protecting undeveloped land, conserving forests and wetlands, preserving historic properties, and acquiring land for parks and recreational areas.
The fund could also support the potential acquisition of the former Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center property in Orangeburg, although no purchase agreement has been finalized.
Orangetown officials anticipate beginning tax collection in February 2027, subject to required administrative and legal procedures.
The new tax will have implications for residential and commercial real estate transactions in Orangetown, making it an important consideration for buyers, sellers and real estate professionals.
