Rising rents in cities such as Waterbury have left many residents feeling squeezed, prompting a surge of interest in policy ideas that could boost affordable housing. One proposal gaining traction is a annual tax on second homes aimed at redirecting wealthier property owners toward year-round occupancy or higher contributions to the state budget.
To gauge public sentiment, a statewide poll was conducted between September 10 and September 21, interviewing 817 Vermonters through phone calls and web-based surveys. The results show that a clear majority—57%—favor the introduction of a new levy on secondary residences, while 28% oppose it and 15% remain undecided.
Poll breakdown by party and region
The survey highlights a partisan divide: 70% of respondents who identify as Democratic support the tax, compared with 43% of those leaning Republican. Independents and minor-party voters sit in the middle at 54% in favor. Despite these differences, support appears evenly spread across the state’s six regions, indicating that the issue resonates beyond local quirks.
Among the most vocal participants is 31-year-old career coach Katie Mandych, who argues that owners of multiple properties should shoulder a fair share of the tax burden. “It makes sense for those individuals to also be paying the taxes on that home if they are in a financial position to have two homes,” she said, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many who see the levy as a way to convert vacation houses into permanent homes.
Political stakes in the 2026 election
The question of a second-home tax has become a campaign focal point. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amanda Janoo has pledged to increase taxes on “luxury second homes” and commercial vacation rentals, tying the revenue to broader housing initiatives. Lieutenant-Governor candidate Molly Gray, also a Democrat, suggests the funds could help finance universal primary care.
In contrast, Republican incumbents Governor Phil Scott and Lieutenant-Governor John Rodgers warn against new taxes, arguing that expanding the tax base and curbing education spending are more effective ways to lower property taxes for primary homeowners.
These opposing narratives are reflected in the poll’s auxiliary questions, which also measured approval for the governor and lieutenant-governor candidates, as well as attitudes toward data centers, school consolidation, and rent affordability.
How many second homes are we talking about?
Estimates of Vermont’s secondary residences vary widely. The Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s analysis, released earlier this year, identified roughly 35,500 homes that could be suitable for year-round habitation. The Department of Taxes, however, flagged about 70,000 properties that might fall under a proposed levy, a figure that includes seasonal camps and non-grid cabins.
Critics worry that a blanket tax could penalize families who inherit rustic cabins used for hunting or fishing. North Ferrisburgh contractor Elan Hugo, who identifies as an independent, expressed concern that such owners would face undue strain. “I think there’s a lot of Vermonters who have inherited family homes, and I worry that a blanket tax like that could put burden on them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Wheeler, a 62-year-old who now rents his former Connecticut home as an Airbnb in Vermont, offered a more nuanced view. Having once purchased a second home for seasonal skiing, he now sees the tax as reasonable for many, yet cautions that not every owner is “incredibly rich.”
Local business owner Alec Nadeau warned that an excessively high rate could drive affluent residents out of state, eroding the tax base it seeks to protect. “The rich people are going to be the first ones to leave, frankly, because they have the most choice,” he noted.
With the November ballot looming, voters will decide whether Proposition 3—a measure that would codify the new levy—advances. The poll suggests ample momentum, but the final outcome will hinge on how candidates frame the issue and how stakeholders respond to concerns about fairness and regional impact.
