City Council voted 8 to 1 to put the Empty Homes Tax on the June ballot

San Diego just took a big step toward an Empty Homes Tax. City Council voted 8 to 1 to put the measure in front of voters this June. If approved, the tax targets homes not used as a primary residence that sit vacant more than 183 days per year, starting at $8,000 annually.

For buyers, the best case outcome is a modest increase in real inventory in areas where inventory always feels tight — downtown condos and coastal second home pockets. Even a few hundred additional homes can reduce bidding pressure in specific neighborhoods.

For sellers, if second home owners decide the carrying cost is not worth it, you could see well maintained properties come to market for practical reasons — not because they are distressed.

For investors, this policy attacks the vacant appreciation play model. It pushes owners toward three choices: rent it long term, sell it, or pay the tax.

If you own a second home or are considering buying one, now is the time to run the numbers with this policy in mind.