Measure FF

City of Oakland Real Property Tax Measure

Measure FF would amend Oakland's Real Property Transfer Tax Ordinance to eliminate the foreclosure exception for all property transfers except transfers converting commercial property to certain housing or healthcare uses, transfers to community banking organizations, and certain transfers of residential properties of four units or less. It would allow the City Council to establish, amend, or remove foreclosure-related exceptions, beginning January 1, 2027 until repealed.

This measure requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure FF is estimated to raise approximately $4-$13 million annually.

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure RTM

See Endorsements for Measure FF

Pro:

Supporters say that when families buy homes, they pay Oakland's real property transfer tax. But when hedge funds or investors acquire property through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu transfers they are exempt, avoiding a tax even for buildings worth tens of millions of dollars. In just the first half of 2026, this loophole has cost Oakland up to $25 million. That's less for paving roads, responding faster to 911 calls, and stopping illegal dumping. Measure FF closes this loophole so foreclosure transfers are taxed fairly. It exempts homeowners in foreclosure. It also exempts regular homebuyers, giving them a leg up on speculators like BlackRock who have to pay.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support amending the Oakland Real Property Transfer Tax Ordinance to eliminate the foreclosure tax exemption in certain cases.

Con:

No official opposition to Measure FF was submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against amending the Oakland Real Property Transfer Tax Ordinance to eliminate the foreclosure tax exemption in certain cases.

Background

Oakland's Real Property Transfer Tax (Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 4.20) imposes a tax on certain transfers of real property in the City of Oakland assessed as a percentage of the value of the transfer. Currently, the Real Property Transfer Tax generally exempts transfers made pursuant to foreclosure proceedings and transfers in lieu of foreclosure, meaning such transfers are not subject to the tax.

Proposal

If approved, Measure FF would amend the City's Real Property Transfer Tax to eliminate the general exception for foreclosure-related transfers, and would only allow foreclosure-related exceptions for transfers converting commercial property to certain housing or healthcare uses, transfers to community banking organizations, and transfers of properties that consist of four residential units or less to a natural person or family trust. The Measure would also allow the City Council to amend and/or remove those remaining foreclosure-related exceptions, and establish other foreclosure-related exceptions.

Any additional revenue generated by this Measure would be general purpose funding that the City may use for any municipal purpose.

Source: Measure FF Analysis and Arguments

Alameda County Election Resources

Pro:

Con:

Background

Proposal

2026 Propositions

2026 Local Ballot Measures

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