New York appeals court sides with Mamdani, reversing a lower court ruling against his pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes

New York's appeals court has overturned a lower-court block on Zohran Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax, clearing the way for the New York City mayor to press ahead with levying charges on luxury second homes owned by the wealthy. The ruling is a significant legal victory for Mamdani, who had faced a legal challenge threatening to derail one of his flagship wealth-redistribution policies.

The tax specifically targets high-value properties used as secondary residences rather than primary homes by their owners.

Mamdani claimed the ruling as a vindication, framing the policy as a plan to make the wealthiest New Yorkers pay their share.

Critics had argued the tax was legally overreaching; the appeals court's reversal now removes the main judicial obstacle to its rollout.