Housing (Historic Preservation)

HB 3080 modifies Missouri’s historic preservation tax credit program to increase incentives for rehabilitating historic properties. It offers a 35% tax credit for eligible properties in qualifying counties (non-urban areas with high poverty rates), historic schools, or theaters, compared to a 25% credit for other properties. To qualify, rehabilitation costs must exceed 50% of the property’s basis and meet federal Secretary of the Interior standards. The bill also sets a $90 million annual cap on tax credits for non-poverty-area projects and allocates an additional $30 million yearly for projects in high-poverty census tracts.

HB 2038 creates a property tax exemption program for Missouri homeowners aged 65 or older who live in their primary residence and have a household income of $125,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation). Starting in 2027, eligible homeowners will receive a 100% exemption on property taxes for their homestead, meaning they pay no tax on their primary residence after other exemptions are applied. To qualify, individuals must reapply annually, and the exemption replaces all other homestead-related property tax credits or relief programs. This program directly affects low-to-moderate income seniors owning their primary home in Missouri.

HB 2077 prohibits institutional investors (such as hedge funds, private equity firms, or real estate investment trusts owning over 50 U.S. residential properties or managing over $100 million in real estate assets) from purchasing most single-family homes or small multi-unit properties (up to four units) after August 28, 2026. Current institutional owners must divest these properties within three years, selling them to individual owners or community-based housing organizations. Exemptions apply to nonprofits, public housing authorities, small local landlords (under 50 units statewide), and banks holding foreclosed homes for resale within 12 months. Violations carry up to $50,000 in fines per property and require forced divestment.

HB 2531 creates tax credits to incentivize converting old office buildings into residential spaces in Missouri downtowns and Main Street districts. Property owners who substantially convert qualifying office buildings (over 50% residential use) to residential or mixed-use spaces can claim a 25% tax credit on eligible renovation costs, or 30% for upper-floor housing in designated Main Street districts. The credits can be transferred multiple times and carried forward up to ten years if they exceed annual tax liability. The program is capped at $50 million annually, with 50% reserved for large buildings (>750,000 sq ft) and 25% specifically for Main Street upper-floor housing projects. It directly affects developers and property owners undertaking downtown revitalization conversions.