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.
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 2020-2021 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: $412,000
Builder application fee: $850
Builder Application & Requirements Property Eligibility
Homebuyer processing fee: $900
Who pays this fee?
Homebuyer income limit: 100% MFI (non-profits, generally 80% MFI)
Median family income is based on the number of people in the household.
Homebuyer Verification Process Income Limits (MFI chart)
Eligible Properties
Properties with approved builder applications for HOLTE, as of January 2021.
Available building schematics and realtor contact information
HOLTE Forms
Helpful printing tip: Many of our forms are made for legal-sized paper (8.5x14). When printing to letter size (8.5x11), be sure your printout includes all sections of the original form. If part of the form is getting cut off, adjust your print settings to "fit to page."