Housing

April 2026

Mayor Katie Wilson announced she will compress the remaining phases of Seattle’s comprehensive plan implementation and pursue broader upzones than the plan originally envisioned, with final land use legislation targeted for June 2027 — one year ahead of the previous schedule. What’s...

March 2026

March 30, 2026

HUD investigates Washington’s Covenant Homeownership Program — The federal agency alleges the program's eligibility criteria may unlawfully consider race or ancestry in determining access to housing assistance.

March 30, 2026

Ferguson signs law allowing housing in commercial zones statewide — Cities must now permit residential development in strip malls, office parks, and retail corridors, opening roughly 30% of commercially zoned land to apartment construction.

August 2025

August 18, 2025

City Council considers stronger safeguards against predatory home-buying practices — Plan would expand state law by adding grace periods, appraisal rights, and penalties for aggressive buyers.

August 18, 2025

Seattle median home price hits $935K, a 5-year high — Prices rose 10% in June from last year, with more than one-third of homes now worth $1 million or more.

August 11, 2025

Washington State fines landlords for first time under new rent cap law — Eight owners ordered to pay $2,000 each after illegal rent hikes affecting 250 tenants.

August 11, 2025

Council weighs 100+ growth plan amendments — Proposals would shrink some neighborhood centers while expanding density incentives for affordable and family housing.

August 4, 2025

Two new villages with more than 100 tiny houses planned in Seattle — The sites are set to open this fall, though their locations remain unclear.

June 2025

June 30, 2025

Seattle bans landlords from using rent-setting software like RealPage — The City Council approved the measure 7–0, citing concerns over algorithmic price fixing and its impact on housing affordability.

Seattle officials have unveiled a sweeping reform to the city’s business and occupation (B&O) tax, aimed at closing a looming budget deficit while shielding small businesses from tax burdens. The measure — called the Seattle Shield Initiative — would increase the B&O tax exemption from...