Homestead Exemption in Michigan
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Michigan exempts up to $63,100 of home equity (adjusted annually for inflation) without requiring advance registration.
How Michigan treats Homestead Exemption
Michigan's homestead exemption applies automatically to a primary residence and does not require filing a declaration beforehand. The exemption amount adjusts each year based on inflation and applies in both bankruptcy and state court proceedings. The protection covers the home and up to one acre of surrounding land. Exemptions do not protect against mortgages, property tax liens, or judgment liens arising from home improvement contracts.
The general definition of Homestead Exemption
A legal protection that shields a primary residence from creditors' claims up to a certain value.
A homestead exemption is a law that protects your home from being seized to pay debts. When you claim a homestead exemption, a portion of your home's value becomes off-limits to creditors, even if you file for bankruptcy or lose a lawsuit. The amount protected varies by state, and you typically must file a declaration to activate the protection.
Read the full Homestead Exemption entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.