Albany's November 2026 Ballot: What Homeowners Should Know Before Buying, Selling, or Downsizing

If you own a home in Albany, or you're thinking about buying or downsizing here, the November 3, 2026 ballot is worth a close read. Albany voters will decide six local measures, lettered O through T. Four of them touch housing directly: they could change single-family zoning rules, what you pay in transfer tax when a home sells, and the parcel taxes on your annual property tax bill.Below is a plain-English summary of each measure and what I'd suggest confirming before you make a move.

Measure O: Single-family zoning (majority vote)

Since 1978, Albany's Measure D has given residents of R-1 single-family areas (about 440 acres of the city) a role in approving certain zoning changes. Measure O would let the City Council amend those R-1 rules without majority approval from neighborhood residents, as long as it follows state hearing and zoning procedures.Why it matters: Measure O doesn't rezone anything by itself. It changes who has the authority to make future changes. If you own a single-family lot, that could affect what you or your neighbors can build over time, which matters for both resale and for anyone hoping to add a unit or split a lot later.

Measure S: Real property transfer tax (majority vote)

Today Albany charges a flat 1.5% transfer tax ($15 per $1,000 of the purchase price). Measure S would replace that with five tiers ranging from $10 to $30 per $1,000, depending on the sale price. The city estimates about $1 million in additional annual revenue for general services.Why it matters: Transfer tax is a closing cost, so this one hits at the moment you sell or buy. Depending on where a home's price falls, the rate could go down or up. If you're planning a sale in 2027, ask your agent to estimate your closing costs under both the current rate and the proposed tier for your price point.

Measure P: Street paving and storm drain parcel tax (two-thirds vote)

Measure P updates the 2006 street paving and storm drain tax. Under the new formula, parcels would pay up to $0.0638 per square foot of lot area, with yearly inflation increases capped at 3%. The current $167.65 per residential unit continues until that change takes effect, and its inflation cap drops from 5% to 3%. The measure also adds rebates and exemptions for qualifying low-income homeowners and renters.

Measure Q: Emergency medical and fire protection parcel tax (two-thirds vote)

Measure Q amends the 2022 Measure K parcel tax. Today it's $0.0807 per square foot of lot area. Under Q, developed property would instead pay $0.254 per square foot of building area, and undeveloped property $0.110 per square foot of lot area. Inflation increases would be capped at 3% instead of 5%, with new exemptions and rebates for lower-income households.Why P and Q matter: Under both measures, the new formula takes effect only if a parcel of at least 500,000 square feet becomes tax exempt through a sale, lease, or transfer. That's tied to the closure of Golden Gate Fields. Because Q would switch to building size, a larger house on a smaller lot could pay more than it does today, while a smaller house on a larger lot could pay less.

Measure T: Street lighting and trees parcel tax (two-thirds vote)

Measure T is a new parcel tax starting July 1, 2027, at $0.0354 per square foot of lot area. The money would go only to tree planting and maintenance, hazardous tree management, and street lighting.For context, the sixth measure, Measure R, changes the business license tax and doesn't apply to homeowners directly.

What to confirm before you buy, sell, or downsize

Your parcel tax line items. Pull your current property tax bill and note the existing city parcel taxes. Then estimate P, Q, and T using your actual lot and building square footage.
Closing costs under Measure S. If you're selling, find out which tier your expected sale price would fall into, and confirm how transfer tax is split in your contract.
Timing. Find out when each measure would take effect if it passes. Some changes depend on future events, not just the election date.
Zoning plans. If you're buying a single-family home with plans to expand or add a unit, follow how the Council might use the authority Measure O would give it.
Downsizing math. If you're an empty nester trading a larger home for a smaller one, your yearly carrying costs (including parcel taxes based on building size) belong in the comparison right next to Prop 19 and HOA dues.

These measures won't decide by themselves whether now is the right time to make a move. But they can change the numbers on your bill and your closing statement. If you'd like help estimating what these measures could mean for your home, reach out. I'm happy to walk through it with you.Source: Albany Scanner, "Albany 2026 November election ballot measures." Confirm final details with the official City of Albany voter guide.

Oliver Davis Real Estate Agent Area served: Berkeley, Alameda County, CA, Piedmont, Alameda County, CA, Albany, Alameda County, CA, Kensington, Contra Costa County, CA, El Cerrito, CA, Oakland, CA Expertise: Empty Nester, Downsizing, Fix-and-Flip Investor, Rental Income, International Buyers