Selling a high-value home in View Park and worried about L.A.’s “mansion tax”? You’re not alone. With headlines and mixed advice floating around, it’s easy to feel unsure about what applies to your property. You want clear guidance so you can protect your net proceeds and plan your timeline confidently. In this guide, you’ll learn whether Measure ULA applies in View Park–Windsor Hills, what county-level costs to expect instead, and exactly how to verify your parcel status before you list. Let’s dive in.
Quick answer: Does ULA apply in View Park?
Generally, no. Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles tax that applies to transfers of real property located within the City of Los Angeles. View Park–Windsor Hills is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, so city-imposed measures typically do not apply.
The key is parcel location inside or outside the City of Los Angeles. A property’s postal city name, ZIP code, or a “Los Angeles” mailing address does not determine jurisdiction. Always verify municipal boundaries at the parcel level.
Why jurisdiction matters
City measures apply only to parcels within city limits. County rules and recording practices apply to parcels outside incorporated cities. In communities along city borders, lines can be confusing, so relying on an address alone can lead to costly mistakes. If you are near neighboring cities or closely bordered areas, confirm your parcel’s jurisdiction before you set pricing or estimate net proceeds.
What Measure ULA covers
Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles ordinance that changes the city’s real property transfer tax for properties inside the City of Los Angeles. If a parcel is within city limits, the city’s rules determine:
- The current tax rates and tier thresholds for transfers subject to the tax.
- What counts as “consideration” for the transfer.
- Which transactions may be exempt or excluded, such as certain intrafamily transfers, transfers into or out of trust, transfers incident to death, foreclosures, or governmental transfers. The exact definitions are detailed in city materials.
- Who customarily pays the tax and when it is collected, which is often tied to recordation.
If your parcel is inside the City of Los Angeles, review the City’s Office of Finance or municipal code materials for current rates, definitions, and exemptions before you list.
What applies instead in unincorporated View Park
If your property is in unincorporated View Park–Windsor Hills, city-level transfer taxes, including Measure ULA, generally do not apply. Instead, you should plan for county-level items and standard closing costs. These can include:
- Documentary transfer tax or recording fees charged at the county level.
- County recorder and clerk fees tied to deed recordation.
- Title insurance, escrow fees, and related settlement charges.
- Any parcel-based special assessments or bonds that appear on the property tax bill, which continue with the property unless paid off.
Also note that nearby incorporated cities have their own rules. If a property sits inside a neighboring city’s boundaries, that city’s transfer tax rules would apply. Parcel-level confirmation is essential.
How to verify your property’s status
Use this simple process to confirm whether Measure ULA could affect your sale.
Confirm parcel-level municipal jurisdiction
- Locate your Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) and legal description on your deed or recent property tax bill.
- Look up the APN and address using:
- Los Angeles County Assessor or the county’s GIS parcel viewer.
- The City of Los Angeles parcel or boundary tool if your property is near city limits.
- If results are unclear, contact the Los Angeles County Assessor or the City of Los Angeles GIS/Planning team for written confirmation.
Ask title and escrow for an upfront estimate
- Request a preliminary title report and an estimated settlement statement. Ask that they identify all transfer taxes, documentary taxes, recording fees, title and escrow charges, and any parcel-based assessments.
- Ask directly whether City of Los Angeles transfer taxes, including Measure ULA, apply to your specific parcel.
If the parcel is inside the City of Los Angeles
- Review the City’s Office of Finance or municipal code for Measure ULA rates, tiers, and the types of transfers that are subject to or exempt from the tax.
- Confirm who customarily pays and when payment is collected.
- Ask escrow to include city transfer taxes in your net sheet so you can plan around accurate numbers.
If the parcel is outside city limits (unincorporated View Park)
- Confirm with the Los Angeles County Recorder, Treasurer/Tax Collector, or your title company which county documentary transfer taxes and recording fees will apply.
- Review your property tax bill and preliminary title report for special assessments or bonds.
- Request written confirmation of all fees so you can disclose any material items and avoid surprises.
Costs to plan for in high-value sales
Even when Measure ULA does not apply, high-price transactions in unincorporated areas can carry meaningful closing costs. Plan ahead for:
- County documentary transfer tax or recording charges.
- Title and escrow fees that scale with sale price and policy coverage.
- Any payoff amounts, including mortgages, lines of credit, or liens.
- Special assessments or improvement district charges that remain with the property.
A clear, written estimate from escrow and title helps you price appropriately and negotiate with confidence.
Seller checklist before you list
Use this checklist to get your numbers right and keep your timeline on track.
- Confirm your APN and legal description from your deed or tax bill.
- Verify municipal boundaries at the parcel level using county and city tools.
- Ask escrow for a preliminary title report and estimated settlement statement.
- Clarify whether Measure ULA applies, and if not, which county fees do.
- If inside LA City, review City Office of Finance or municipal code materials for current rates, thresholds, exemptions, and payor customs.
- If outside city limits, confirm county documentary taxes and recording fees with escrow or the County Recorder.
- Review your tax bill and preliminary title report for any special assessments or bonds.
- Obtain confirmations in writing for your disclosures and MLS remarks if material to your net proceeds.
- Consult a tax attorney or CPA for reporting and to evaluate any potential exemptions related to your specific transfer.
Border and neighborhood nuances
In South Los Angeles, community lines can run very close together. Parcels may sit near incorporated cities or within unique county pockets. Do not rely on neighborhood names, postal city references, or ZIP codes when estimating transfer taxes. The parcel’s jurisdiction controls which rules apply.
When to bring in professionals
- Title and escrow: for preliminary title, estimated settlement statements, and confirmation of transfer taxes and recording fees.
- County Assessor and Recorder: to confirm parcel status and recording charges for your APN.
- City of Los Angeles resources: if your parcel might be inside city limits, review the city’s official materials for Measure ULA specifics.
- Tax counsel or CPA: for guidance on reporting requirements or whether any exemptions may apply to your transaction.
Getting professional confirmation in writing protects you during negotiations and helps you close smoothly.
Bottom line for View Park–Windsor Hills sellers
Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles tax that typically does not apply to View Park–Windsor Hills, because it is an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The decisive factor is your parcel’s jurisdiction, not your mailing address. Verify your APN and boundary status, get a written estimate from escrow and title, and consult the appropriate city or county resources to confirm the final numbers before you list.
Ready to confirm your property’s status and net proceeds plan? Schedule a free strategy call with The Jones Group Realtors to walk through your APN, boundary check, and a custom estimate for your sale.
FAQs
Does L.A.’s Measure ULA apply to View Park–Windsor Hills homes?
- Generally no. Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles tax, and View Park–Windsor Hills is an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. Parcel-level jurisdiction controls applicability.
How do I verify if my View Park property is inside L.A. city limits?
- Use your APN and address with the Los Angeles County Assessor or GIS parcel viewer and the City of Los Angeles boundary tool. If unclear, request written confirmation from the relevant offices.
What taxes or fees should I expect if ULA doesn’t apply?
- Expect county-level documentary transfer taxes or recording fees, plus title and escrow charges. Review your tax bill and preliminary title report for any special assessments or bonds.
If my parcel is inside L.A. city limits, where do I find ULA details?
- Review the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance or municipal code materials for current rates, thresholds, definitions of consideration, exemptions, and payor customs.
Can the mailing address or ZIP code determine ULA applicability?
- No. Postal city names and ZIP codes are not reliable for jurisdiction. The parcel’s municipal boundary status is what matters.
Who typically pays transfer taxes at closing?
- Responsibility can vary by jurisdiction and negotiation. Confirm local customs and exact obligations with escrow and by reviewing city or county guidance for your parcel.
