A Strong Voice for Vermont Real Estate

Decisions made in Montpelier have a direct impact on Vermont’s real estate market, private property rights, housing opportunities, and the ability of REALTORS® to serve their clients and communities. That’s why a strong, unified REALTOR® voice matters.

The Vermont Association of REALTORS® (VAR) represents more than 2,100 REALTORS® across the state, advocating for policies that support a healthy real estate market, expand housing opportunities, protect private property rights, and strengthen Vermont’s communities and economy.

VAR works closely with lawmakers, state agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the perspective of REALTORS®, and the buyers, sellers, homeowners, and property owners they serve, is part of the conversation.

Our legislative priorities focus on practical solutions that strengthen Vermont’s housing market, protect property owners, and create opportunities for Vermonters to live, work, and invest in our state.

Our Legislative Priorities

Learn more about VAR’s 2026 Legislative Priorities.

LAND USE

VAR continues to work with the Land Use Review Board on implementation of Act 181, advocating for balanced land use policies that protect private property rights and support housing.

<br><br>Priorities include reasonable Tier 3 rules, reforms that expand Tier 1A and Tier 1B exemptions, extending interim Act 250 exemptions through 2028, and addressing Act 181’s “road rule.”

HOUSING

VAR will continue working with House and Senate Housing Committees to advance policies that increase Vermont’s housing supply and expand homeownership opportunities.

Priorities include incentives for new housing development, administrative permitting and by-right zoning, affordable workforce housing, and eliminating the land gains tax. VAR will champion homeownership and the multigenerational wealth it creates for Vermont families statewide.

PROPERTY TAX POLICY

VAR will advocate for fair property tax policies that protect all Vermont property owners. As education spending continues to drive property taxes, VAR will support efforts to reduce that burden while opposing new taxes intended to lower rates elsewhere.

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EDUCATION REFORM

Public education remains the largest driver of Vermont property taxes. With limited progress from the stakeholder group created under Act 73, VAR will advocate for legislative action to address education costs and reduce pressure on property owners.

VAR supports meaningful school district consolidation, streamlined administrative functions, and appropriate student-to-adult ratios to help create a more efficient and sustainable public education system statewide.

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RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ENERGY LABELING WORKGROUP

VAR will continue advocating for building energy policies that promote compliance without increasing construction costs or creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Building on its work with the Building Energy Labeling Workgroup, VAR supports builder training, REALTOR® education on Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), and compliance through the Contractor Registry, while opposing a new Department of Fire Safety inspection program for new construction.

TAX POLICY

VAR will oppose new taxes that target real estate, including increases to the Property Transfer Tax, taxes on short-term rentals, and taxes on services such as real estate transactions.
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HEALTH CARE

VAR recognizes that the rising cost of health care impacts Vermont’s economy at all levels. Realtors® are independent contractors who are particularly challenged by the high cost of health insurance in the current market. We will support policies that expand access to affordable health care.
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ECONOMIC EXPANSION

A stronger Vermont economy is essential to addressing the state’s policy challenges. VAR will support policies that increase housing production, grow the grand list, and strengthen the property tax base that supports education funding. VAR will also advocate for initiatives that attract new businesses to Vermont while helping existing businesses expand, create jobs, and build a stronger workforce throughout the state.

REAL ESTATE WHOLESALING

As real estate wholesaling increases in Vermont, VAR will advocate for appropriate safeguards to protect property owners and consumers. Wholesalers profit by contracting to purchase properties, often below market value, and transferring those interests to other buyers without taking ownership. VAR supports appropriate licensure and disclosure requirements that increase transparency, strengthen consumer protections, and promote fair real estate transactions throughout Vermont.