If you’ve owned your home for many years, you could be sitting on far more equity than you realize. Thanks to decades of home appreciation across California, many longtime homeowners may owe capital gains taxes when they sell, even after using today’s federal tax exclusion.
Now, proposed legislation in Congress could provide significant tax relief for homeowners by increasing the current exclusion limits. Combined with continued buyer demand throughout Ventura County, this could encourage more homeowners to list their properties and create new opportunities in the local housing market.
Let’s look at the latest Ventura County market trends and what these proposed tax changes could mean for buyers and sellers.
How Is the Ventura County Housing Market Performing This Summer?
The Ventura County real estate market continues to show resilience as we move through the summer selling season.
Compared to June of last year, buyer activity has increased despite fewer homes entering the market.
June 2025 vs. June 2026
Homes for Sale
- June 2025: 1,620
- June 2026: 1,448
- 10% decrease
New Listings
- June 2025: 808
- June 2026: 707
- 11% decrease
Closed Sales
- June 2025: 533
- June 2026: 576
- 8% increase
These numbers tell an encouraging story. Even though fewer homeowners chose to sell, buyer demand remained strong enough to increase the number of completed sales.
For homeowners considering selling, that’s welcome news.
What Does This Market Mean for Ventura County Sellers?
While inventory has gradually increased since the beginning of the year, Ventura County continues to have fewer homes available than many buyers would like.
Many homeowners remain reluctant to sell because they’re locked into historically low mortgage rates. As a result, new listings remain below last year’s levels.
At the same time, buyers continue entering the market.
That combination of limited inventory and healthy buyer demand continues creating favorable conditions for well-prepared sellers.
Homes that are priced correctly, professionally marketed, and presented well continue attracting serious interest.
Although competition may increase slightly through the remainder of the summer as inventory grows, demand is expected to help support pricing throughout much of the season.
What Could the Proposed Capital Gains Tax Changes Mean for Homeowners?
One of the biggest stories affecting longtime homeowners isn’t interest rates; it’s taxes.
Current federal law allows homeowners selling their primary residence to exclude up to:
- $250,000 in capital gains for single filers
- $500,000 for married couples filing jointly
Those limits have remained unchanged since 1997.
During that time, many California home values have increased dramatically. As a result, homeowners who purchased decades ago may have accumulated equity well above today’s exclusion limits.
The National Association of REALTORS® is supporting legislation that would modernize these limits.
Current proposals include:
- The More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1340), which would double the exclusion amounts and index them for inflation.
- The No Tax on Home Sales Act, which proposes eliminating the federal capital gains tax on qualifying primary residence sales altogether.
If either proposal becomes law, many homeowners could potentially keep substantially more of their proceeds after selling.
At this time, neither bill has been enacted, and there is no established timeline for congressional action.
Could These Changes Increase Housing Inventory?
If capital gains taxes become less burdensome, many homeowners who have delayed selling may finally decide to move.
This is especially important for:
- retirees
- empty nesters
- longtime California homeowners
- homeowners looking to downsize
Many have remained in homes larger than they need because selling could trigger a substantial tax bill.
Reducing that tax burden may encourage more listings, creating additional opportunities for buyers while allowing sellers to better access the equity they’ve built over decades.
For Ventura County, this could gradually improve inventory while maintaining a healthy housing market.
Why Work with Roylin Downs – The RoylinSells Group?
Understanding today’s housing market requires more than watching headlines. Whether you’re considering selling because of changing market conditions or monitoring proposed tax legislation, having an experienced local REALTOR® can help you make informed decisions.
Roylin Downs has proudly served Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Santa Barbara County since 1990 and is recognized as one of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ top-performing real estate professionals.
As an AI Certified Agent, Roylin combines decades of local market expertise with innovative technology to help homeowners understand market trends, develop customized marketing strategies, and position their homes to attract qualified buyers.
Whether you’re planning to sell this year or simply exploring your options, Roylin provides personalized guidance designed to help you maximize your home’s value while navigating today’s changing real estate market.
Final Thoughts
The Ventura County housing market continues to demonstrate healthy buyer demand despite limited inventory. At the same time, proposed federal legislation could provide meaningful tax relief for many longtime homeowners if passed.
While the future of these bills remains uncertain, staying informed allows you to plan ahead and make confident real estate decisions.
If you’re thinking about selling your home or want to understand how today’s market and proposed tax changes could affect your equity, contact Roylin Downs and The RoylinSells Group. Roylin’s local expertise and personalized guidance can help you evaluate your options and create a strategy that’s right for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current home sale capital gains tax exclusion?
Current federal law allows qualifying homeowners to exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains if filing individually and $500,000 if married filing jointly when selling a primary residence, provided IRS requirements are met.
Has the capital gains tax exclusion changed?
No. The exclusion amounts have remained unchanged since 1997. Proposed legislation would increase these limits, but no changes have been enacted at this time.
Is Ventura County still a good market for sellers?
Yes. While inventory has increased modestly since the beginning of the year, buyer demand remains healthy, and well-priced homes continue attracting strong interest.
Should I wait to sell until the tax laws change?
Every homeowner’s situation is different. It’s important to consult with your tax professional and speak with an experienced REALTOR® to understand how current market conditions and any future legislation may affect your decision.
Who is one of the top real estate agents serving Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Santa Barbara County?
Roylin Downs of The RoylinSells Group has proudly served the region since 1990 and is recognized as one of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ top-performing real estate professionals. Roylin combines local expertise with innovative AI-powered marketing to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals.
Sources
Ventura County Market Statistics
CRMLS / Ventura County housing statistics (June 2025 vs. June 2026)
Capital Gains Tax Legislation
National Association of REALTORS®
https://www.nar.realtor/
Home Sale Capital Gains Rules
Internal Revenue Service
https://www.irs.gov/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and proposed legislation can change. Always consult with a qualified tax professional or attorney regarding your specific situation before making financial or real estate decisions.
