If you sell in College Park East and buy another home in California, how does Proposition 19 affect your property taxes and net proceeds?

If you sell in College Park East and buy another home in California, how does Proposition 19 affect your property taxes and net proceeds?

Short answer:
If you qualify, Proposition 19 can allow you to transfer your current property tax base to a new California home — potentially saving you thousands per year — but the rules are strict and timing matters.

Why Proposition 19 Is a Big Deal for College Park East Sellers

Many homeowners in College Park East have owned their homes for years — sometimes decades. That usually means:

• A low property tax base

• Significant appreciation

• Hesitation to sell because of higher taxes on a replacement home

Proposition 19 was designed to reduce that friction — but only if you understand how it works.

Who Qualifies for Proposition 19?

You may qualify if at least one of the following applies:

• You are 55 or older

• You are severely disabled

• You are a victim of a natural disaster

If you qualify, you may be able to transfer your existing tax base to a new home anywhere in California.

How the Tax Base Transfer Works

Here’s the simplified version:

• If your new home costs the same or less than your sold home, your property tax base can transfer fully.

• If your new home costs more, your tax base can still transfer — but it will be adjusted upward by the difference.

This can dramatically change your long-term costs and your true net proceeds from selling.

Why Timing and Strategy Matter

Proposition 19 is not automatic. Sellers often make costly mistakes by:

• Missing required deadlines

• Buying before fully understanding the tax impact

• Underestimating how pricing affects their replacement options

The way you price, negotiate, and time your sale in College Park East can directly affect how much benefit you receive.

What Proposition 19 Doesn’t Do

It’s important to be clear:

• It does not eliminate property taxes

• It does not apply automatically

• It does not benefit every seller equally

That’s why it’s critical to run real scenarios before listing.

Thinking About Selling and Buying Again?

A short conversation upfront can save you years of unnecessary tax burden.

Schedule a 10-minute strategy call with Nat to talk through Proposition 19 scenarios, timing, and net proceeds — no pressure, just clarity.

Byline:
Nat Feguson, Listing Advisor
Splash Real Estate — Seal Beach & College Park East