Whatcom County Real Estate News: Key Housing Updates and Policy Changes – March, 2025
If you’re keeping an eye on the Bellingham housing market or curious about how state policy might shape Whatcom County real estate this year, here’s your curated weekly digest.
These are the stories that impact property values, growth, and housing opportunities right here at home.
Audit Reveals Missed Opportunity in Local Affordable Housing
A recent Washington State audit exposed that 135 homes in Whatcom County were eligible to be sold to renters under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program—but not a single one was. This raises serious questions about how effectively affordable housing programs are benefiting our local community. Read more$27.5M in Down Payment Help Is Unlocking Homeownership Across WA
The Covenant Homeownership Program, designed to reverse historical housing discrimination, has already helped 247 Washingtonians buy homes. While not limited to our area, this kind of funding could be a game-changer for first-time buyers in the Whatcom County market. Read moreRent Cap Enforced in Bellingham: 8% Limit Sparks Landlord Shift
If you own or rent in Bellingham, you should know about Initiative 2023-02. It requires landlords to pay relocation assistance when rent hikes exceed 8%. This local law is reshaping the rental landscape in Bellingham and may influence how investors approach rental properties. Read moreWhatcom County’s Growth Plan Is Being Redrawn—Here’s Why That Matters
The 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update is underway, and it’s set to guide where new housing, jobs, and infrastructure will go in Whatcom County through 2045. Public input is encouraged, and the final plan will directly shape how the county balances development with livability. Read more
Every headline above connects to a shift in how we live, invest, or build in this corner of the PNW. If you're thinking about buying, selling, or just staying ahead of the curve in Whatcom County real estate, these trends matter.
Want to talk about what this means for your property or future plans?
Click here to book a quick strategy call with me.
Talk soon,
– Brandon
