January 2026

A Look at Proposition 19

By Doug Colliflower
Posted: 02/27/2025

The recent wildfires have deeply impacted our community, leaving many homeowners faced with the difficult decision of whether to rebuild or relocate. If you or someone you know has lost a home due to wildfire or another natural disaster, Proposition 19 offers a way to maintain significant property tax savings when moving to a new home anywhere in California.

However, you don’t have to be a fire or disaster victim to take advantage of Prop 19. This law also benefits homeowners who are simply looking to downsize, move closer to family, or relocate to a more affordable area while keeping their lower property tax base.

What is Proposition 19?

Prop 19 allows eligible homeowners, including those 55 and older, individuals with disabilities, and disaster victims to transfer their current property tax base to a replacement home, even if it's in a different county or more expensive than their original home.

Who Can Benefit from Prop 19?

✔ Wildfire & Disaster Victims: If your home was destroyed, you can relocate and keep your existing tax base, avoiding a large tax increase.
✔ Seniors: If you’re looking to downsize, move closer to family, or transition to a home that better suits your needs, you can transfer your lower tax base up to three times.
✔ People with Disabilities: If you require a home that better accommodates your needs, you can relocate without a major property tax increase.
✔ Anyone Seeking Affordability: If you’re thinking about moving to a more affordable area, Prop 19 helps protect your tax savings.

Key Benefits of Prop 19

- Lower Property Taxes When Moving – Keep the tax base of your current home instead of paying higher taxes on a new one.
- Relocate Anywhere in California – Transfer your tax base to any county in the state.
- Move to a More Expensive Home with Adjustments – If you buy a home with a higher value, your tax base will adjust but still provide savings.

Why You Should Consider This Now

Whether you’re making a move out of necessity or personal choice, understanding the benefits of Proposition 19 can help you make a sound financial decision. This property tax transfer could mean thousands of dollars in savings each year, making your next home more affordable.

To learn more and check eligibility, visit the Los Angeles County Assessor’s website here: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/real-estate-toolkit/proposition-19