POLITICS

Hochul backs pied-à-terre tax to address NYC deficit

PUBLISHED Apr 15, 2026, 7:31 AM ET

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New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced she will propose a tax surcharge on second homes in the city valued over $5 million, reversing earlier reluctance and aligning with Mayor Zohran Mamdani as state lawmakers continue budget negotiations past the April 1 deadline. Her office said the measure aims to raise roughly $500 million annually to help address a reported $5.3 billion municipal shortfall. Albany officials said negotiations this week will determine details including whether the levy is graduated by property value and whether nonresident owners are the primary target; the governor's office confirmed inclusion of the proposal in this year's state budget on Wednesday. Mamdani and progressive advocates have pressed for wealth taxes to close the gap while legal, enforcement, and public safety proposals, including a 25-foot buffer around houses of worship, remain under discussion.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Earlier this year Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly called for taxing the ultra-wealthy to close the city's budget gap.
April 1: the state budget deadline passed without a final agreement as Albany negotiations continued.
This week: Governor Hochul publicly supported a 25-foot buffer around houses of worship amid safety concerns.
Wednesday: Hochul announced support for a pied-à-terre surcharge on second homes over $5 million, with an estimated $500 million annual yield.
Ongoing: Lawmakers and officials continue negotiating budget details, including levy structure and enforcement mechanisms.

News Intelligence

If you own a second home in NYC valued over $5 million, you might face a new tax. This pied-à-terre surcharge is part of a plan to help close the city's budget gap. Keep an eye on Albany's negotiations for more details.

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Who Benefited

New York City government and residents dependent on municipal services stand to benefit if the proposed pied-à-terre surcharge generates the governor's estimated roughly $500 million annually, because those revenues would be available to narrow the reported multi-billion dollar budget gap and fund public programs.

Who Impacted

Owners of secondary residences in New York City valued over $5 million, particularly nonresident and global buyers, would face higher annual costs and potential market impacts if the pied-à-terre surcharge is enacted as part of the state budget.

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