Thinking about moving within Campbell and worried your property taxes will jump? If you have a low Prop 13 assessment on your current home, that concern is real. The good news is that California’s Prop 19 may let you carry your tax base to your next primary home, even if you buy in a different county. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, how the timing works, what to file with Santa Clara County, and how the numbers are calculated so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Prop 19 basics for Campbell movers
Prop 19 lets eligible homeowners transfer their Prop 13 “factored base year value” from a current primary home to a replacement primary home, subject to rules on eligibility, timing, and occupancy. You can move within Campbell, anywhere in Santa Clara County, or anywhere else in California and still use this benefit. For the full state overview, see the California Board of Equalization’s Prop 19 guidance.
Who qualifies and how often
Eligibility categories
You may qualify if you meet one of these conditions at the time you sell your original home:
- You are age 55 or older.
- You are severely and permanently disabled.
- You are a victim of wildfire or another qualifying natural disaster.
One of your transactions, either the sale of your original home or the purchase or new construction of your replacement home, must occur on or after April 1, 2021. See details under Prop 19 rules.
Frequency and location
- If you are 55 or older, or severely disabled, you can use the transfer up to three times. Disaster victims may have different limits.
- You can buy your replacement home anywhere in California. Intercounty moves are allowed under Prop 19.
Timing rules and occupancy
To qualify, you need to follow these timing and use rules:
- Buy or build your replacement home within two years of selling your original home. The two years can be before or after your sale.
- Your original home must have been your principal residence at the time of sale. Your replacement must be your principal residence when you file, and you must qualify for the homeowner’s or disabled veterans’ exemption on the replacement. The state explains these requirements on the Prop 19 overview.
- This claim is not handled through escrow. You file with the county Assessor after both transactions are complete and you occupy the replacement home.
How the tax math works
Your original home’s factored base year value moves to the replacement. If you buy equal or lesser value within the timing window, your low base typically transfers without an upward adjustment. If you buy a more expensive home, the difference between the two market values gets added to your transferred base.
Example (simplified):
- Original home factored base year value: $100,000; original sells for $400,000.
- Replacement purchased for $600,000.
- Difference of $200,000 gets added to the transferred base.
- New taxable value on the replacement: $100,000 + $200,000 = $300,000.
For more examples, see the county explanation with sample calculations.
Parent‑child changes under Prop 19
Prop 19 narrowed prior parent‑child exclusions. Today, to avoid reassessment on a transfer of a principal residence from parent to child, the child must occupy the home as a principal residence and file for the homeowner’s or disabled veterans’ exemption within one year of transfer. The exclusion is capped by an “excluded amount.” Local guidance highlights the one‑year occupancy and exemption filing requirement on the Santa Cruz County Prop 19 information page.
The excluded amount equals the parent’s factored base year value plus a statutory allowance that adjusts every two years. For transfers between February 16, 2025 and February 15, 2027, the allowance is $1,044,586. See the BOE news release on the current allowance.
Santa Clara County filing steps for Campbell homes
Where to file and current fee
File your Prop 19 base year transfer claim with the Santa Clara County Assessor, since Campbell is in Santa Clara County. The county charges a non‑refundable processing fee, currently $110. Review local instructions and note possible processing delays on the Santa Clara County Assessor Prop 19 page.
Forms you may need
The state publishes standard forms that you file with the county Assessor:
- BOE‑19‑B for age 55 or older
- BOE‑19‑D and BOE‑19‑DC for severe disability
- BOE‑19‑V for wildfire or natural disaster victims
- BOE‑19‑P or BOE‑19‑G for parent‑child or grandparent‑grandchild exclusions
Find the current versions on the BOE forms page.
Documents to gather
- Recorded deeds for your original and replacement homes
- Closing statements showing dates and prices
- Proof of age, disability certificate, or disaster damage documentation as needed
- Proof you occupy the replacement as your principal residence
- Homeowner’s exemption form (or disabled veterans’ exemption, if applicable)
Deadlines, refunds, and processing
- File within three years of buying or completing construction on your replacement to be considered for retroactive relief. Claims filed after three years may only apply prospectively.
- Counties may experience backlogs. You could see a higher interim tax bill until your claim is approved. Santa Clara County notes potential delays and inter‑county certification steps on its Assessor page. Keep records and follow up.
Quick checklist
- Confirm you qualify: 55 or older, severely disabled, or disaster victim. Ensure one transaction date is on or after April 1, 2021.
- Map your timing: buy or build within two years of your sale, or sell within two years of your purchase.
- Gather documents: deeds, closing statements, proof of eligibility, and occupancy evidence.
- File with Santa Clara County: submit the appropriate BOE‑19 form and pay the $110 fee. Aim to file within three years for potential retroactive relief.
- Track progress: keep copies, watch for corrected bills or refunds, and follow up if needed.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Missing the two‑year window between sale and purchase or construction.
- Waiting more than three years to file, which can limit relief to future years only.
- Forgetting to claim the homeowner’s exemption on the replacement when required.
- Assuming escrow or title will handle the claim. You must file with the Assessor after you occupy the replacement home.
- Not planning for a higher interim bill while your claim is processed.
Local move scenarios and tips
- Moving up within Campbell: If your replacement’s market value is higher than your original, you still benefit. The difference is added to your transferred base, which often keeps your tax bill well below a full reassessment.
- Downsizing nearby: If your replacement’s value is equal or lower within the timing rules, your factored base typically transfers without an upward adjustment.
- Intercounty move from Campbell: You can transfer your base anywhere in California, but you still file with the county where the replacement is located. Expect extra time for inter‑county certifications.
Get local guidance you can trust
Your move is unique, and timing is everything. If you are considering a sale or purchase in Campbell or the surrounding South Bay, get a clear plan for Prop 19, pricing, and timing before you list or write an offer. For a calm, concierge experience and local insight, reach out to Kim Adams to talk through your next steps.
FAQs
Can I transfer my tax base if I buy before I sell in Campbell?
- Yes, if your sale and purchase happen within two years of each other and you meet all other rules. The benefit applies as of the later date. See the state’s Prop 19 overview.
Can I keep my base if I move from Campbell to another county?
- Yes. Prop 19 allows transfers anywhere in California. File in the county where your replacement home is located.
How long do I have to file in Santa Clara County?
- File within three years of buying or completing the replacement to be considered for retroactive relief. Later filings may only apply prospectively. See the Santa Clara County Assessor guidance.
Does co‑ownership with my adult child affect my Prop 19 claim?
- Co‑ownership does not automatically disqualify you. The claimant must have owned and occupied the original home, be a purchaser of the replacement, and occupy it as a principal residence under Prop 19 rules.
What if I miss the two‑year window between sale and purchase?
- You will not qualify for the base transfer if the replacement was not bought or built within two years of the sale of your original residence.
If my child inherits my Campbell home, can they keep my assessed value?
- Possibly, with limits. The child must occupy the home as a principal residence and file within one year, and the exclusion is capped by the excluded amount that includes a $1,044,586 allowance for transfers from February 16, 2025 to February 15, 2027. See the BOE update and local notes from Santa Cruz County.
