How to Move Without Losing Your Low Property Taxes
Many Napa homeowners are surprised to learn they may be able to move and keep their current property tax base.
A free community workshop for Napa homeowners who want to understand Proposition 19 before making a move.
L’AGENCE Napa Valley
2151 Main Street, Napa
Friday, April 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Guest Speaker:
John Tuteur, Napa County Assessor
Light lunch will be served.
Limited seating available to keep the workshop interactive. Advance RSVP recommended.
Who This Workshop Is For
This session is designed for Napa homeowners who:
Purchased their home years ago and benefit from a low property tax base
Are thinking about downsizing or relocating within California
Are 55+ and considering a move
Want to understand how Prop 19 may affect their next move
Want trustworthy local guidance before making a financial decision
You’ve Built Equity. The Last Thing You Want Is a Tax Surprise.
Many longtime homeowners would consider moving — downsizing, simplifying, relocating within California, or moving closer to family.
But one question stops them:
Will I lose my low property taxes if I move?
That fear is real.
For many Napa homeowners, their property tax base is dramatically lower than what it would be if they bought again today. Moving without understanding the rules could mean higher annual housing costs and less flexibility in the next chapter of life.
The good news is that Proposition 19 may allow eligible homeowners age 55+ to transfer the taxable value of their current primary residence to a replacement primary residence anywhere in California. Eligible homeowners may use this benefit up to three times.
But the rules, timing, and value limits are not always intuitive.
That is why we created this workshop.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
At L’AGENCE Napa Valley, we help homeowners navigate important transitions with clarity, strategy, and care.
Florence Ropelewski and the L’AGENCE Napa Valley team believe homeowners make better decisions when they understand the financial implications before they move.
That is why we are hosting this educational event and bringing in a trusted local authority to help guide the conversation.
Hosted By
Florence Ropelewski
Founder & CEO, L’AGENCE Napa Valley
Florence helps Napa homeowners navigate buying, selling, downsizing, and major life transitions with a thoughtful, long-term approach.
Featured Speaker
John Tuteur
Napa County Assessor
John will help explain the basics of Proposition 19 and answer common questions homeowners have about property taxes and moving.
Join Us for a Clear, Practical Introduction to Proposition 19
This workshop is designed to help you understand the rules before you make a move.
Step 1:
Attend the workshop
Step 2:
Learn how Prop 19 works and whether it may apply to you
Step 3:
Leave with more clarity about how to protect your tax position before your next move
What You Will Learn
During this session, we will walk through:
What Proposition 19 is and why it matters
Who may qualify for this benefit
How eligible homeowners 55+ may keep property taxes lower when moving within California
The timing rules between selling and buying
What happens if the replacement home costs more than the original
Common misunderstandings and planning mistakes
Live Q&A with John Tuteur, Napa County Assessor
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of this workshop, you’ll better understand:
Whether Prop 19 may apply to your situation
How to move without automatically resetting your property taxes
The timeline rules between selling and buying
What happens if your replacement home costs more
The biggest mistakes homeowners make when they move without a plan
What Is Proposition 19?
Proposition 19 allows eligible homeowners age 55 or older to transfer the taxable value of their principal residence to a replacement property anywhere in California, up to three times. The replacement residence generally must be purchased or newly constructed within two years of the sale of the original property, and both properties must be eligible for the homeowners’ or disabled veterans’ exemption.
In practical terms, this may allow many homeowners to move without being fully reassessed at today’s market value.
If the replacement home costs more than the original home, the amount over the original property’s market value is generally added to the transferred taxable value. The replacement home may exceed the original property’s market value by up to 105% in the first year after the sale, or 110% in the second year, without excess being added.
The Right Information Can
Change the Outcome
When homeowners understand Proposition 19 before moving, they may be able to:
- Downsize with more confidence
- Relocate within California
- Move closer to family
- Keep a lower property tax base
- Avoid costly surprises
Without understanding the rules, some homeowners make decisions that unintentionally increase their property taxes.
This workshop is here to help you make a smarter, more informed move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prop 19?
Prop 19 is a California property tax law that allows certain eligible homeowners, including many age 55+, to transfer the taxable value of their current primary residence to a replacement primary residence anywhere in California, subject to qualification rules.
Who qualifies?
For this workshop’s focus, Prop 19 applies to eligible homeowners age 55 or older. The fact sheet also includes severely and permanently disabled persons and certain wildfire or natural disaster victims under related transfer rules.
Can I always keep the exact same tax base?
Not always. If the replacement home costs more than the original home, some of that difference may be added to the transferred taxable value, subject to the 105% and 110% timing thresholds.
Do I have to buy in the same county?
No. Eligible transfers may be made to a replacement residence anywhere in California.
How long do I have to buy the replacement home?
Generally, the replacement residence must be purchased or newly constructed within two years of the sale of the original property.
How many times can this benefit be used?
Eligible homeowners age 55+ may use this benefit up to three times.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. This workshop is educational. The BOE fact sheet states that the information is general and summary information and not intended as a legal interpretation, and recommends consulting an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Will food be served?
Yes. A light lunch will be served after the presentation.
Understand Your Options
Before You Make Your Next Move
If moving has been on your mind, this workshop will help you better understand whether Proposition 19 may allow you to protect one of your biggest financial advantages: your low property tax base.
Join us on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 11AM to 1PM for this educational community workshop with John Tuteur, Napa County Assessor.