Qualifying for a Homestead Exemption

We cover what it takes to qualify for a homestead exemption in Texas

Glenn Goodrich avatar
Written by Glenn Goodrich
Updated over a week ago

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In order to qualify for a homestead exemption in Texas, you must meet the following criteria.

  • You must both own and occupy the property as of January 1st and claim it as your primary residence. If you own a property, but do not occupy it then you will not be granted the homestead exemption. A common trap for this is when a buyer of a property closes on the house in December and the previous owner negotiates a sale/leaseback until the end of January. The new owner owns the house before January 1st, but does not occupy it until after January 1st. 

  • You can only claim a homestead on one property in a year. A common trap for this is when a couple separates, but is not yet legally divorced. If the spouse that moves out makes a purchase, then the couple must decide which party can have the homestead until the divorce is finalized. 

  • To be eligible for a Homestead Exemption in Texas, you cannot be claiming a homestead for a property outside of the state of Texas.


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