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.
Frequently Asked Questions HOLTE Administrative Rules
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.)
Homebuilders, 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
Sale price cap: $455,000
Builder application fee: $1000
Builder Application & Requirements Property Eligibility
Homebuyer verification processing fee: $1000 (due at closing)
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)
*Note: HOLTE applications submitted prior to March 1, 2024 for homes that sell prior to July 1, 2026 are allowed to sell to homebuyers earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for a family of four (currently $140,280 and adjusted annually) and adjusted upward for households of more than four people.
Homebuyer Verification Process Income Limits (MFI chart)
Annual HOLTE cap: No more than 500 applications will be approved per fiscal year. Special exceptions are available for affordable housing. More about the annual cap.
Eligible Properties
Properties with approved builder applications for HOLTE, as of July 2023.
Apply for HOLTE
For projects with more than one unit, download and complete this workbook to submit with the application.
For a printable version of HOLTE builder application please contact indirect@portlandoregon.gov. Please be aware this may delay processing.
Additional HOLTE Forms
New online forms available!
Homebuyer Verification
Homebuyer Compliance Verification Form
Subsequent Homebuyer Compliance Verification Form
For printable versions of the homebuyer forms, contact indirect@portlandoregon.gov. Please be aware this may delay processing.
Subsequent Builder
How to Submit Forms
- If an online form is available, submit online (Most recommended). There will be a spot to upload your supporting documents.
- Printable forms and follow-up supporting documents: Email, or as alternatives, mail, fax, or drop box. Please note, paper forms may affect how quickly we can receive your application.
- In person drop-off: PHB front desk, on the 7th floor, is open during regular business hours. If you have questions, please send us an email.
- Drop box: Look for the gray mail bin located in the building lobby, labeled "Portland Housing Bureau."
Questions
Best way to reach us is by email or phone.
indirect@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-3270
PHB is operating in hybrid. Staff are only in the building on certain days of the week.
Book in-person appointment (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Get directions to PHB
1900 SW 4th Ave, 7th floor
Portland City Code
Additional information about the Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption can be found in Chapter 3.102 of the Portland City Code, which implements the provisions of Oregon Revised Statues (ORS) 307.651 through 307.687.
Chapter 3.102 Property Tax Exemption for New Construction of Single-Unit Housing in Homebuyer Opportunity Areas.