Mackenzie, Kean Introduce Legislation to Establish Housing Affordability Tax Credit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, and Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced the introduction of the Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act — legislation that makes the dream of homeownership more attainable by creating a new tax credit for Americans purchasing their primary home.

The bill establishes a new tax credit of $5,000 for individual filers earning under $250,000 when purchasing their primary residence. Joint filers earning under $500,000 would receive up to $10,000. The tax credit phases out proportionally for incomes exceeding the thresholds, with eligibility ending at $300,000 for individual filers and $600,000 for joint filers. A homeowner may claim this credit once every five years.

“Housing affordability is one of the top concerns of families across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. After enduring years of skyrocketing housing costs, first-time homebuyers deserve relief. That’s why this legislation provides targeted tax relief to help make homeownership a reality for hardworking families,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “I’m grateful to Rep. Kean for leading this commonsense approach to decrease the cost of buying a home.”

“The goal of homeownership is part of the American Dream which has become increasingly difficult for middle-class families to reach,” said Congressman Kean. “Today’s buyers are facing skyrocketing prices, steep down payments, and a shortage of inventory. In New Jersey, where we have some of the nation’s highest housing prices and property taxes, working families are being locked out of the market. I believe this new tax credit will lower the barrier to entry, restore opportunity, and strengthen the path to homeownership for American families.”

The legislation comes as housing affordability reaches a crisis point. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median age of first-time home buyers hit an all-time high of 40 years old in 2025— with their share of the market at a record low of 21%. For all buyers, the median age has also climbed to 59 years old.

A copy of the bill text is available HERE.

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