Mountain View, CA
Home MenuReal Property Transfer (Conveyance) Tax
Tax Rate & Levy
The City of Mountain View imposes a real property transfer tax (commonly known as a transfer tax) on the sale or conveyance of land or real property when the total consideration exceeds one hundred dollars ($100.00).
As of December 20, 2024, the City applies a two-tiered tax structure based on the value of the property transferred:
- For transfers valued at $6,000,000.00 or less:
The tax rate is $1.65 for every $500, or fraction thereof, of the total consideration. - For transfers valued over $6,000,000.00:
The tax rate increases to $15.00 for every $1,000, or fraction thereof, of the total consideration.
This new tiered structure was approved by Mountain View voters through Measure G on November 5, 2024, with over 72% voting in favor. Measure G introduced the higher rate for high-value transactions to enhance funding for community services and infrastructure. The Mountain View City Council certified the election results on December 10, 2024, and the ordinance became effective December 20, 2024.
Example
-
Value of consideration = $3,000,000
Tax calculation:
$3,000,000 / $500 = 6,000
Tax = 6,000 x $1.65 = $9,900
-
Value of consideration = $6,000,001
Tax calculation:
$6,000,001 / $1,000 = 6,000.001. Rounded up = 6,001
Tax = 6,001 x $15 = $90,015
Recognizing the many needs of the City, the Council adopted programmatic goals and a revenue allocation plan for Measure G proceeds. The allocation includes 35%-40% toward public safety facilities, followed by parks, open space and biodiversity initiatives, including beautification efforts (30%-35%), affordable housing (20%-25%), and other government services (5%-15%). This includes road maintenance, bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements, and homelessness efforts, among other things.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Allocations:
Based on the first full year-to-date sales data, Measure G revenues will currently provide approximately $5.1 million in support for these important goals.
| Measure G Support Area | ($ in thousands) |
|---|---|
| Transfer to Public Safety Reserve | $2,029 |
| Transfer to Open Space Acquisition Reserve | $1,522 |
| Transfer to Housing Fund | $1,015 |
| General Government Services | $507 |
| Total Measure G | $5,073 |
The General Government Services allocation is estimated at $507,000 (10%) and is intended for a broad range of City services. Staff is recommending the following items be funded in Fiscal Year 2026-27 from the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Government Services allocation:
- Contract Services for Citywide Design Standards: $175,000
Provides limited-period funding for consultant services to study and deliver design standards for Citywide development projects.
- Transfer to CIP 27-22, Street Maintenance Project: $125,000
Provides additional funding to CIP 27-22, Street Maintenance Project, for annual roadway pavement maintenance, including application of various pavement treatments (fog seal, slurry seal and overlay), adjustment of utilities and monuments, and installation of pavement markers and traffic lines.
- Transfer to CIP 20-99, Sustainability Projects: $100,000
Provides additional funding to CIP 20-99, Sustainability Projects, which supports Citywide sustainability efforts.
- Transfer to Economic Vitality Reserve: $100,000
Provides funding to the new Economic Vitality Reserve to fund economic vitality initiatives, including downtown activation, small business support, storefront vacancy programs, and other priorities outlined in the Economic Vitality Strategy.
The complete details of the tax are contained in Chapter 29 Article V of the Mountain View City Code.
Refunds & Exemptions
The City of Mountain View contracts with the County to handle all real property conveyance taxes. Please submit all documents to the Santa Clara County Recorder's Office to process deed recordings.
In the event that you disagree with the County's assessment and believe your real property transfer should have been exempt from taxes, please complete and forward the Real Property Transfer Tax Refund form to the address below. The form details the conditions under which a request for refund may be made and the documentation required.
Mail completed form to:
City of Mountain View
Attn: Budget Section
Finance & Administrative Services Department
500 Castro Street, P.O. Box 7540
Mountain View, CA 94039-7540
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