Republican candidate for Governor Tiffany says he has a plan to address housing and increase homeownership

Aug. 11, 2026

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — Republican candidate for governor Tom Tiffany on Tuesday unveiled a housing agenda aimed at increasing homeownership in Wisconsin by expanding housing supply, reducing regulations, lowering property taxes and limiting purchases of residential property by large investors and Chinese-owned entities.

Tiffany announced the plan, dubbed “Unlocking Homeownership in Wisconsin,” during a news conference at a housing development in Oconomowoc. He was joined by former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Wisconsin Builders Association President Andy Selner, Neumann Companies CEO Matt Neumann and Brookfield resident Mitch Resch, who said he hopes to become a homeowner.

Tiffany pointed to housing reforms enacted in Virginia under Youngkin’s administration as a model for Wisconsin, saying regulatory and permitting changes helped reduce the cost of constructing new homes while maintaining safety standards.

“Homeownership should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy,” Tiffany said. “We can bring that same approach to Wisconsin by cutting red tape, building more homes, lowering property taxes and making sure Wall Street and China are not buying up the homes Wisconsin families are trying to afford.”

According to the campaign, the average age of a first-time homebuyer in Wisconsin has increased in recent years, while regulations and permitting requirements have added to housing construction costs.

The plan includes proposals to streamline permitting and regulatory processes, restrict purchases of single-family homes by large institutional investors, and prohibit Chinese-affiliated entities from purchasing residential property in Wisconsin.

Tiffany also pledged to call a special legislative session to address property taxes if elected governor. He said he would seek to freeze property taxes statewide and repeal what he described as a “400-year property tax increase” approved by Democrats.

In addition, Tiffany said he would work with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers and shift more housing assistance toward homeownership programs.

“Wisconsin should be a state where, if you work hard, you can afford a home, raise a family and build a future,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany is seeking the Republican nomination for governor in the 2026 election.