The statewide challenge to Measure ULA that appeared headed for the November ballot will not reach voters. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association withdrew its initiative in a negotiated deal with Sacramento, and Los Angeles will keep its “mansion tax” as written.
Measure ULA imposes a 4% transfer tax on property sales above $5.4 million and 5.5% on sales of $10.9 million or more. The thresholds rise every July 1 with the Chained Consumer Price Index; the figures above took effect for transactions closing after June 30, 2026, up from $5.3 million and $10.6 million a year earlier. The tax is assessed on the gross sale price from dollar one, not on the amount above the threshold, so a $10.9 million sale owes $599,500 rather than a few thousand. It stacks on top of the Los Angeles city transfer tax of $4.50 per $1,000 and the county’s $1.10 per $1,000. It reaches commercial, multifamily and industrial property as well as houses, and there is no exemption for a primary residence, for sellers over 65, or for a seller taking a loss.
