Skyrocketing housing prices and limited inventory have made it increasingly difficult for Arizonans to achieve the dream of homeownership. The LD26 team—Victor Harris, Skyla Edwards, and Frank Roberts—believes that every Arizonan should have access to affordable housing, whether they’re looking to buy their first home or find a long-term rental. That’s why they’ve developed a comprehensive housing plan designed to increase housing affordability, encourage responsible homeownership, and limit the negative impacts of corporate speculation in the real estate market.

1. Down Payment Matching Program

The LD26 team is committed to helping first-time homebuyers achieve the financial stability that comes with owning a home. For those who have qualified for a loan and have already saved more than half of their down payment, this plan proposes a Down Payment Matching Program. This program will match what these homebuyers have saved, enabling more Arizonans to transition from renting to owning, without the long wait to gather the entire down payment.

2. Lower Property Taxes for Primary Residences

To make homeownership more affordable for Arizona families, the LD26 team supports lower property taxes on primary residences, ensuring that Arizonans are not unfairly burdened simply for owning their home. Additionally, exceptions will be introduced for homeowners over a certain age who are still paying off their mortgage, but make under a certain income threshold, helping elderly Arizonans stay in their homes without being forced out by rising taxes.

3. Restricting Megacorporate and Foreign Buyers

The rising influence of corporate real estate investors and foreign buyers has priced many working Arizonans out of the housing market. These entities often purchase large numbers of homes, driving up prices and limiting availability for families. The LD26 team will work to change depreciation laws to disincentivize these megacorporate buyers from dominating the Arizona market and outcompeting local residents. These restrictions are aimed at creating a housing market that prioritizes Arizona families over foreign investors and corporate interests.

4. Building More Starter Homes

Arizona has a serious shortage of affordable starter homes for young families and first-time buyers. To address this, the LD26 housing plan focuses on building more single-family starter homes. By encouraging development that meets the needs of Arizona’s middle-class families, this plan will provide more opportunities for individuals and families to enter the housing market without being priced out.

5. 100-Year Water Guarantee for Build-to-Rent

In addition to affordable homeownership, the LD26 team is also addressing long-term housing sustainability for renters. Currently, build-to-rent properties often have fewer regulations than build-to-own projects, which can lead to imbalanced housing policies. To address this, the LD26 team is introducing a 100-year water guarantee requirement for build-to-rent developments. This will match the standard already required for build-to-own homes, ensuring that rental developments are sustainable and meet Arizona’s critical water needs for future generations.

A Record of Inaction from the Opposition

It’s important to highlight how some current legislators have failed to prioritize housing affordability. Flavio Bravo and Cesar Aguilar both voted against SB1131, a bill that would have repealed the rental tax in Arizona. Flavio Bravo initially opposed the bill in committee but later flip-flopped after making a deal with the governor to secure his vote on the floor. While he ultimately changed his vote, his original stance against the bill shows where his true priorities lie—and they aren’t with Arizona renters. Meanwhile, Cesar Aguilar voted against it outright on the House floor, showing a clear lack of support for Arizona families struggling with rental costs.

A Brighter Future for Arizona Housing

The LD26 team is committed to delivering practical, effective housing solutions that prioritize Arizonans—not corporate interests or out-of-state investors. With policies that promote homeownership, reduce the cost of living, and ensure sustainable housing development, Victor Harris, Skyla Edwards, and Frank Roberts are fighting to make sure that housing in Arizona remains affordable and accessible for generations to come.