What is considered the Flats of Beverly Hills?

The Flats generally refers to the area between Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, from Doheny Drive on the east to Whittier Drive on the west.

Do lots get larger in the northern part of the Flats?

In general, yes. As you move north through the 500, 600, 700, and 800 blocks toward Sunset Boulevard, both the lots and the homes tend to become larger.

Why do buyers focus on the Flats of Beverly Hills?

Buyers are drawn to the Flats for its larger lots, broad streets, privacy, central location, and the fact that homes and parcels generally become larger as you move north through the neighborhood.

Prop 19 Property Tax Transfer Guide 2025 | Save Big on Taxes

The Prop 19 property tax transfer is a California program that lets homeowners aged 55 and older move anywhere in the state while keeping their low property-tax base. Also known as the Prop 19 base-year value transfer, it allows eligible homeowners to sell their current residence and transfer their existing property-tax assessment to a new primary home — potentially saving $15 000–$30 000 per year in taxes.

This complete guide explains everything you need to know about the Prop 19 property tax transfer, including who qualifies, how the calculation works, and how to apply correctly.

What Is the Prop 19 Property Tax Transfer Program?

The Prop 19 property tax transfer program, or base year value transfer, allows eligible homeowners to move anywhere in California while keeping their current property-tax rate. It helps long-time homeowners downsize, relocate closer to family, or move to a dream location without a major tax hike.

Learn how California property taxes are calculated in our property-tax guide.

How the Property Tax Portability Program Solves the “Tax Trap”

Bought your home 25 years ago for $300 000? You’re probably paying $3 000 a year.
Without Prop 19, selling and buying a $2 million home would reset your taxes to $20 000/year.
With Prop 19, you keep paying $3 000/year.

Situation	Assessed Value	Annual Property Tax
Current home (bought 1998)	$300 000	$3 000/year
New home	$2 000 000	—
Without Prop 19	$2 000 000	$20 000/year
With Prop 19	$300 000	$3 000/year
Annual Savings	—	$17 000/year

✅ Ten-Year Savings: $170 000

Eligibility Requirements for the Prop 19 Transfer

To qualify for the Prop 19 property tax transfer, meet one of the main eligibility requirements and all conditions below.

Primary Eligibility

Age 55 or older (only one spouse must qualify)
Severely disabled (any age)
Victim of wildfire or natural disaster

Required Conditions

Replacement home must be your primary residence
Buy or build within 2 years of selling your home (before or after)
The new home can be anywhere in California
Benefit usable up to 3 times (unlimited for disaster victims)
You must file a claim form with your county assessor

How the Prop 19 Transfer Works in California

Your savings depend on whether your new home is of equal or lesser value or more expensive than the one you sell.

Equal or Lesser Value Homes

If your new home is equal or less in value, your old assessed value transfers directly — no change.

Purchase Timing	Maximum Value Allowed
Before sale	100 % of original market value
Within 1 year after sale	105 %
Within 2 years after sale	110 %

More Expensive Homes – Adjusted Base Year Transfer

If your new home costs more, your new taxable value equals your old base plus the price difference.

Formula: New Tax Base = Old Assessed Value + (New Purchase Price − Old Market Value)

Example: Old base $400 000 → New purchase $3 500 000 → New tax base $900 000 (≈ $9 000/year) instead of $35 000.

How to Apply for the Prop 19 Property Tax Transfer

Before you sell, make sure your home is positioned right for today’s market — see our California home-selling guide.

Step 1: Verify Your Assessed Value

Find it on your property-tax bill — that’s the number that transfers.

Step 2: Calculate Your Prop 19 Savings

Use the formula above or request a personalized Prop 19 savings estimate.

Step 3: Plan Your Two-Year Timeline

You have two years between selling and buying (in either order).

Step 4: Sell Your Original Home

The property must have been your primary residence.

Step 5: Buy or Build Your Replacement Home

Complete your purchase or construction within two years.
Ready to find your next dream home? Explore our California relocation resources.

Step 6: File the Correct Form

Submit the proper claim to your new county assessor:

Eligibility Type	Correct Form
Age 55+	BOE-19-B
Severely Disabled	BOE-19-D (+ optional BOE-19-DC)
Disaster Victim	BOE-19-V

🕒 File within 3 years of purchase to receive full retroactive benefits.

Step 7: Verify Your Benefit

Check that your base-year value transfer appears on your new tax bill.

Prop 60/90 vs Prop 19 Comparison

Feature	Prop 60/90 (Old)	Prop 19 (Current)
Uses	Once	Three times (unlimited for disasters)
Counties	Limited	All 58 counties
Home Value	Equal or less only	Any value (adjusted if higher)
Eligibility	55+ only	55+, disabled, disaster victims

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Missing the 2-year window
❌ Filing the wrong form
❌ Using a non-primary home
❌ Assuming the transfer is automatic
❌ Forgetting the Homeowner’s Exemption

Prop 19 FAQ

Can I use Prop 19 after a Prop 60/90 transfer? Yes.
Do both spouses need to be 55? No.
Can I buy before I sell? Yes.
Can I apply it to new construction? Yes.
What if my claim is denied? You can appeal within 60 days.

Why the Prop 19 Property Tax Transfer Matters

Frees up housing for families.
Boosts local jobs and spending.
Supports schools through new property-tax revenue.
Learn more about downsizing and senior moves.

Move Anywhere in California and Keep Your Low Tax Base

With the Prop 19 property tax transfer, you can sell, buy, and keep your low tax rate.

Contact Marty Halfon for:

A free Prop 19 savings estimate
Help filing your claim
Expert guidance for your next move

Your home should fit your life — not your tax bill.