Making Sense of Property Taxes in Ventura County (and How to Save Where You Can)
Whether you’ve owned your Ventura County home for 20 years or just moved in last spring, property taxes are something we all have to deal with. But I’ve found that many homeowners—especially longtime residents and downsizers—aren’t quite sure how those taxes are calculated, or what options they might have for lowering them.
So let’s simplify it.
If your goal is to hold onto more of your home’s value and reduce your monthly expenses, understanding how Ventura County property taxes work is one of the smartest steps you can take.
How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Ventura County
Like all of California, Ventura County property taxes are based on the assessed value of your home. This is determined when you purchase your property and is typically close to your sale price. Under Proposition 13, the assessed value can’t increase by more than 2% per year unless you make major improvements or sell the home.
The base property tax rate in Ventura County is about 1%, but with local bonds and assessments, it’s often closer to 1.1–1.25% of your assessed value.
For example:
If your home was assessed at $600,000, your property taxes would likely be in the $6,600–$7,500 per year range, depending on your exact location.
What Is Prop 19, and Why Does It Matter?
Proposition 19 is a California law passed in 2020 that changed how property taxes work, especially for older homeowners.
Here’s what it does:
- Allows homeowners 55+, the severely disabled, or victims of natural disasters to transfer their existing property tax base to a new home anywhere in the state (up to three times).
- This means that if you sell a home with a low tax base and buy a new one—maybe even at a higher price—you can still keep your lower tax rate in most cases.
Why this matters:
If you’re downsizing, Prop 19 could save you thousands every year in property taxes while giving you the freedom to move closer to family, health care, or the coastal lifestyle you love.
Other Ways to Lower Your Property Tax Bill
Ventura County also offers several tax exemptions and programs that can help reduce what you owe. If you qualify, they’re well worth applying for.
1. Homeowner’s Exemption
A small but automatic reduction in assessed value (currently $7,000). If you live in your home as your primary residence, make sure this is applied.
2. Senior or Disabled Citizens Property Tax Postponement Program
California allows eligible seniors (62+), blind, or disabled residents with limited income to defer property tax payments on their primary residence.
3. Veteran’s Exemption
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for additional savings, especially those with disabilities or limited incomes.
4. Appealing Your Assessment
If you believe your home is over-assessed, you can file an appeal with the Ventura County Assessor’s Office. This is more common after a market correction or if your property’s value has dropped significantly due to damage or other factors.
Why This Matters for Downsizers and Longtime Homeowners
As someone who works with a lot of clients preparing to right-size into something more manageable, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding (and leveraging) property tax laws can give you more flexibility and freedom.
Downsizing isn’t just about square footage—it’s about managing long-term expenses and making smart choices for your next chapter. Whether you’re moving across town or exploring Ventura’s hidden gems, you deserve to keep more of what you’ve worked so hard for.
Let’s Talk Strategy—And Savings
If you’re unsure what Prop 19 means for you, or whether your next move will come with a bigger tax bill, I’m here to help break it all down. Together, we’ll look at your current tax base, what exemptions you may qualify for, and how to plan your next move with confidence.
Because downsizing doesn’t have to mean giving up—it can mean stepping into a new season with clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.
