GLOSSARY — REAL ESTATE TERMS
Prop 19
Proposition 19 allows eligible California homeowners who are over 55, severely disabled, or victims of a wildfire or natural disaster to transfer their existing property tax base to a replacement home, up to three times, anywhere in the state.
Who qualifies
Prop 19 allows homeowners age 55 or older, those with a severe disability, or victims of a wildfire or other qualifying disaster to transfer their current property's tax assessment to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times over their lifetime.
How the transfer works
If the replacement home costs more than the original, the difference is added to the transferred assessed value rather than the replacement home being fully reassessed at market rate -- a significant benefit for older homeowners looking to relocate without a major property tax increase. This connects directly to the base rules under Prop 13.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MIGHT QUALIFY FOR PROP 19
- Confirm your specific eligibility (age, disability, or disaster status)
- File the required claim form with the county assessor's office by the deadline
- Understand how a higher-priced replacement home affects your transferred tax base
- Ask a tax professional if you're also navigating an inherited property transfer
Does the replacement home have to be the same value as the original?
No -- it can be of equal or greater value, though if it costs more, the excess amount is added to the transferred tax base rather than being fully forgiven.
How many times can I use this benefit?
Homeowners age 55 or older can generally use it up to three times over their lifetime, while disaster and disability provisions have their own specific rules.
Does Prop 19 also affect inherited property tax treatment?
Yes -- Prop 19 significantly changed the rules around parent-to-child property transfers as well, generally requiring the child to use the inherited home as a primary residence to retain the lower tax base.