Analysis of proposed real estate transfer fees on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket for year-round housing
May 2026
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Donahue Institute (UMDI) was engaged by the Martha's Vineyard Commission and the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission to analyze the potential impacts of local-option real estate transfer fees (RETFs) designed to fund affordable and attainable year-round housing on the islands. This report examines the existing literature on real estate transfer fees, presents a comparable market case study in another resort market, and estimates potential revenue and potential economic impacts of investments in various housing affordability programs.
