California Proposition 19 and Downsizing

Who may qualify (general overview)

• Homeowners age 55 or older, severely disabled homeowners, or victims of a wildfire or natural disaster.
• The original home must have been your principal residence and qualify for the homeowners' or disabled veterans' exemption.
• The replacement home must be bought or newly built within two years of selling the original.
• The replacement can be anywhere in California. Up to three transfers for those 55+ or severely disabled (unlimited for disaster victims, under specific rules).

How the value adjusts

If the replacement costs the same or less than the original's sale price (with timing adjustments), the tax base generally transfers as is. If it costs more, the difference is generally added to the transferred base.

What this means for your numbers

Without a transfer, tax on a new home is generally about 1% of the purchase price plus local assessments. With an approved transfer, it may be much lower. Our calculator shows both so you can see the difference — but never assumes you qualify.

Next step

File the claim with the County Assessor where the replacement home is located, and confirm deadlines and requirements with them before you rely on the savings.