California Proposition 19: Key Benefits & Guidelines

Approved in November 2020, Proposition 19 allows eligible homeowners to transfer their property tax base to a new home anywhere in California, effective April 1, 2021.

Who Qualifies?

✔ Homeowners 55+

✔ Severely disabled individuals

✔ Victims of wildfires or natural disasters

What It Allows:

🔹 Tax Base Transfer – Keep your existing property tax rate when buying a new home.

🔹 Statewide Relocation – Move anywhere in California.

🔹 Multiple Transfers – Up to three times in a lifetime.

🔹 No Value Limit – Transfer applies even if the new home is more expensive.

How It Works:

📌 The sale and purchase/construction of the new home must occur within two years.

📌 Both properties must be primary residences.

📌 Claims must be filed within three years of purchase or construction completion.

Important Notes:

⚠ Inheritance Limits – Property tax benefits for inherited homes are now restricted.

⚠ Disaster Victims – The original home must have sustained substantial damage.

⚠ Homeowners' Exemption – The new home must be owner-occupied with an exemption filed.

Proposition 19 provides flexibility and tax savings for eligible homeowners while modifying intergenerational transfers.