| Government Affairs |
Middle-Class Homeownership Act Qualifies for the Ballot
April 22, 2026 — The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) announced that the Middle-Class Homeownership Act has officially qualified for the state's November ballot as part of the campaign to build new housing and make home loans affordable for middle-class Californians. The campaign also named C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski an Honorary Co-Chair.
This measure enables middle-income Californians to purchase a new home with only 3% down, while spurring a wave of new home construction – at no cost to taxpayers. Here are some additional key aspects of the measure, if approved. It would:
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Authorize $25 billion in revenue bonds to provide low-interest, downpayment-assistance loans to eligible Californians.
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Protect taxpayers by requiring bonds to be repaid by investors and home loan borrowers.
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Help address California's housing affordability crisis by incentivizing new single-family home construction and increasing the supply of new homes.
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Fuel construction of approximately 190,000 new homes, generating significant economic benefits across the state.
"Every day, we hear from middle-class Californians who just want the opportunity to own a home for themselves and their families without facing such challenging affordability issues." said Tamara Suminski, CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2026 President. "By making new down payment assistance loans available at no cost to taxpayers, this measure removes one of the most significant barriers and brings the promise of homeownership within closer reach."
To qualify, homebuyers must be California residents, meet minimum income requirements, pay at least 3% down, make monthly payments and occupy the home as their residence. Consumer protections include fixed low-interest rates on home loans, with strict limits on bank fees and no penalty for early payoff of home loans.
This measure, introduced by former California Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader Bob Herztberg, has broad, bipartisan support across California, including from C.A.R. and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
