Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE) Program

Information

The application for HOLTE is initiated by the home builder prior to obtaining a building permit. Verified homebuyers who meet the income limit requirement and purchase a HOLTE-approved home can receive a 10-year property tax exemption on structural improvements to the home. See program details.

On this page

Under the Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE) Program, single-unit homes receive a ten-year property tax exemption on structural improvements to the home as long as the property and owner remain eligible per program requirements.

Property owners are still responsible for payment of the taxes on the assessed value of the land during the exemption period. The property is reassessed when the exemption is either terminated for noncompliance or expires after the ten years, and owners begin paying full property taxes. The exemption period cannot be extended.

Administrative Rules Frequently Asked Questions

General Eligibility

The proposed home will be:

New construction located within the City of Portland
Single-family home, townhome, or condominium
Must have at least three bedrooms
(Two-bedroom homes may be eligible if located within approved transit-oriented areas. See Two-Bedroom Eligibility Areas.)

Home builders, please see Property Eligibility for additional criteria that apply to this exemption.

Potential homebuyers can view a current list of HOLTE-approved properties under Eligible Properties, lower on this page.

Program Requirements

The allotment of 2021-2022 HOLTE Builder Applications are available. No more than 100 applications will be approved per fiscal year. Special exceptions are available for affordable housing. More about the annual cap.

Sale price cap: $430,000

Sales Requirement

Builder application fee: $850

Builder Application & Requirements Property Eligibility

Homebuyer processing fee: $900
Who pays this fee?

Homebuyer income limit: 100% MFI - Median family income is set at a family of 4, increasing for households larger than 4.
(Nonprofits, generally 80% MFI)

Homebuyer Verification Process Income Limits (MFI chart)

Eligible Properties

Properties with approved builder applications for HOLTE, as of April 2022.

Eligible HOLTE Property List(129.98 Kb)

HOLTE Forms

Helpful printing tips: If printing to 8.5x11 letter-sized paper, be sure your printout includes all sections of the form. Many of our forms are legal size (8.5x14), which is longer. If part of the form is getting cut off, adjust your print settings to "fit to page."

Please print forms one side per sheet.

HOLTE Builder Application(229.43 Kb)

HOLTE Subsequent Builder Application(122.5 Kb)

Homebuyer Compliance Verification Form(238.98 Kb)

Subsequent Homebuyer Verification Form (160.72 Kb)