The Big Beautiful Bill and How It Affects Your Real Estate Plans

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" might have a catchy name—but if you're buying or selling a home in the Tampa Bay area, the effects of this legislation are worth a serious look. Whether you're eyeing a new construction home in Wesley Chapel or planning to sell your property in Riverview, here's what you need to know about how this federal bill—and related state and local responses—could impact your real estate decisions in 2025.

👷 What's in the Bill?

Passed by the U.S. House in May 2025 and now under Senate consideration, the "One Big Beautiful Bill" includes sweeping tax reforms and housing-related provisions. Here are the key changes that affect real estate:

• Repeal of Clean Energy Tax Credits: Accelerates the expiration of key tax credits for energy-efficient home features like solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and insulation. This could raise the total cost of new construction homes.

• Extension of the Mortgage Interest Deduction: Homeowners can continue deducting interest on mortgages up to $750,000—a key benefit in higher-price markets like Tampa.

• Boosts to the Child Tax Credit and Down Payment Savings Accounts: Families can now save more for future home purchases using new "Trump Accounts."

• Support for Investors: The bill preserves Section 1031 exchanges and bonus depreciation, which encourages reinvestment and could fuel activity in multifamily and commercial sectors.

🏡 How This Impacts Tampa Buyers

1. New Construction Costs May Rise

With energy-efficiency credits repealed, builders could lose $5,000–$15,000 per home in incentives—costs that may be passed on to buyers. Additionally, buyers will no longer get tax breaks for adding energy-saving upgrades post-purchase.

2. Insurance Is the X-Factor

Tampa buyers in suburban areas (like Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and Brandon) still win: insurance on new construction homes averages just $1,200–$1,800/year, compared to $3,000–$5,000 on older homes. That long-term savings could outweigh the lost tax credits.

3. Act Fast to Lock in Credits

If you're under contract on a new construction home started before May 12, 2025, you may still qualify for energy tax credits if you close by December 31, 2026. Ask your builder or real estate advisor (that's us) if your home qualifies.

🏠 What Sellers Need to Know

• Buyer Pool Shrinking? Affordability challenges are squeezing first-time buyers. Sellers of older homes may face pricing pressure, especially in areas where insurance premiums are steep.

• But Not All Is Lost: Homes with upgraded, storm-resilient features (impact windows, newer roofs) will stand out and fetch top dollar in this new climate.

⚖️ State and Local Countermeasures

Florida and Hillsborough County are stepping in with programs that may offset the effects of the federal bill:

• My Safe Florida Home: Up to $10,000 in grants for hurricane-resistant upgrades (which also improve energy efficiency).

• Local Down Payment Assistance: Hillsborough County offers up to $40,000 for qualifying first-time buyers.

• Strong Building Codes: All new homes in Florida meet 2021 energy efficiency standards, helping reduce utility bills even without federal credits.

💡 What Should You Do Now?

If you're thinking about buying a new construction home in the Tampa suburbs:

• ✅ Move fast to take advantage of remaining federal tax credits.

• ✅ Lock in builder incentives while Tampa remains a buyer's market.

• ✅ Compare insurance savings—new construction almost always wins.

• ✅ Ask about grants like My Safe Florida Home to reduce your long-term costs.

If you're thinking about selling, especially an older home:

• ✅ Highlight recent upgrades that improve efficiency and insurance costs.

• ✅ Work with an agent who knows how to position your home against new construction.

📩 Let's Talk Strategy

Tampa’s real estate market is changing—but change creates opportunity. Whether you’re building, buying, or selling, having the right local expert on your side makes all the difference.

If you're not sure how this bill affects your personal real estate goals, let's connect. I'll break it down and help you move forward with confidence.

📞 Call or text: 813-928-6745
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.TampaRob.com