Everything You Should Know About the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway Series

For over two decades, the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway has captured the imagination of millions of viewers and hopeful participants across the country. More than just a sweepstakes, the Dream Home series has become a New Year’s tradition, a cultural moment, and a fantasy of homeownership elevated to stunning design heights. But what exactly is the HGTV Dream Home, how does it work, and what happens to the lucky winners after the cameras stop rolling?

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway—its history, design process, behind-the-scenes secrets, what it really means to win, and how you can improve your chances of becoming the next winner.

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Table of Contents

1. What Is the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway?

2. A Brief History of the Dream Home Series

3. The Design and Construction Process

4. How the Giveaway Works

5. How to Enter the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway

6. Tips to Increase Your Chances

7. What Happens If You Win?

8. What Really Happens to Winners?

9. Taxes and Other Realities

10. Spin-Offs and Related Giveaways

11. Cultural Impact and Popularity

12. Frequently Asked Questions

13. Final Thoughts

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1. What Is the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway?

The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is an annual sweepstakes launched by Home & Garden Television (HGTV) in 1997. Each year, the network builds and decorates a luxurious, fully furnished custom home in a picturesque location and then gives it away to one lucky winner. The prize package often includes:

• The custom-built home (usually worth $2–3 million)

• All furnishings and decor

• A new vehicle (often a luxury SUV or truck)

• A significant cash prize (usually around $100,000 from LendingTree)

The entire package typically exceeds $2.5–$3 million in value.

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2. A Brief History of the Dream Home Series

The first Dream Home was located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and set the tone for what would become an annual phenomenon. Designed to showcase HGTV’s knack for stunning interiors and dream-worthy landscapes, the home captivated viewers and kicked off a yearly tradition.

Over the years, Dream Homes have been built in nearly every region of the U.S., from Key West, Florida, to Lake Tahoe, California, and even Martha’s Vineyard. Some notable locations include:

• 2004 – St. Marys, Georgia (coastal marshlands)

• 2008 – Islamorada, Florida Keys

• 2015 – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

• 2020 – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

• 2023 – Morrison, Colorado

HGTV also introduced companion giveaways like the HGTV Smart Home and HGTV Urban Oasis in later years, expanding the dream lifestyle concept to modern technology and city living.

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3. The Design and Construction Process

Each Dream Home is custom-built or fully renovated with modern design features, local flair, and top-of-the-line furnishings. HGTV partners with a trusted builder, landscape designer, and interior designer every year.

Key Elements of the Process:

• Location scouting: Chosen for beauty, lifestyle, and appeal.

• Architecture: Tailored to fit the region and climate.

• Interior design: Often features a mix of trends and timeless pieces. HGTV design personalities like Brian Patrick Flynn often take the lead.

• Furnishings: Supplied by sponsors such as Wayfair, Ethan Allen, or Bassett Furniture.

• Landscaping: Includes outdoor kitchens, pools, fire pits, and gardens.

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4. How the Giveaway Works

The Dream Home Giveaway is a sweepstakes, not a contest of skill. Entry is free and open to U.S. residents over 21.

Key Dates:

• Reveal Date: Usually late December.

• Entry Period: From late December to mid-February (about 6 weeks).

• Winner Notification: March or April.

During the entry window, you can enter up to twice daily—once via the HGTV website and once via a partner site (often Food Network or Discovery).

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5. How to Enter the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to HGTV.com/DreamHome during the entry period.

2. Fill out the entry form with your name, email, and address.

3. Enter daily—you’re allowed two entries per day (HGTV.com and the secondary site).

4. Enable notifications—sign up for reminders to stay consistent.

5. Follow HGTV on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and winner announcements.

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6. Tips to Increase Your Chances

While the giveaway is random, there are ways to maximize your odds:

• Enter daily, twice a day. That’s over 100 entries during the sweepstakes window.

• Use both allowed entry sites. (Usually HGTV.com and FoodNetwork.com.)

• Sign up for email alerts to get daily reminders.

• Use autofill tools or browser extensions to make it easier.

• Avoid entering from multiple accounts. Violates the rules and may disqualify you.

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7. What Happens If You Win?

If your name is selected, here's what typically happens:

1. HGTV contacts you (usually via phone or email).

2. You’re verified—HGTV ensures you meet eligibility rules.

3. You sign paperwork—this includes accepting the prize and acknowledging the tax liability.

4. You’re flown out to tour the home—HGTV films your reaction for a special episode.

5. You receive the home title, cash, and vehicle.

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8. What Really Happens to Winners?

While winning a multimillion-dollar home sounds perfect, the reality is more complicated. Due to high property taxes and maintenance costs, many winners sell the home rather than keep it.

Common Outcomes:

• Sell the home and keep the cash.

• Rent the property as a vacation home.

• Move in temporarily, then sell.

• Decline the home and take a cash alternative (if offered).

Only a small handful of winners have kept the home long-term. The most common reason is the overwhelming cost of ownership and taxes.

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9. Taxes and Other Realities

Yes, you do have to pay taxes on the Dream Home.

Here’s what to expect:

• Federal taxes: Based on the fair market value of the entire prize (home + furnishings + cash + vehicle).

• State taxes: Depends on where you live and the home’s location.

• Estimated tax bill: Often over $700,000.

Winners are advised to either:

• Take out a mortgage or line of credit to pay taxes.

• Sell the home quickly to cover the tax bill.

HGTV now includes a cash prize (often $100,000) specifically to help with the tax burden, but it usually doesn’t cover all of it.

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10. Spin-Offs and Related Giveaways

HGTV has launched several spin-offs based on the Dream Home’s popularity:

• HGTV Smart Home – Showcasing the latest in smart tech and green living.

• HGTV Urban Oasis – Focused on stylish homes in vibrant cities.

• DIY Network Ultimate Retreat – A cozy, rustic vacation property (now retired).

Each has its own prize structure, entry period, and target audience.

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11. Cultural Impact and Popularity

The Dream Home Giveaway is not just a contest—it’s a televised event and a marketing juggernaut. It draws tens of millions of entries every year, with some years exceeding 130 million total entries.

It also serves as a showcase for:

• Design trends

• Local tourism boards (who often help fund the homes)

• Sponsor brands (furniture, appliances, vehicles)

For many viewers, it has become an annual tradition akin to watching the Super Bowl or the Oscars—except this one could change your life.

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12. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I enter from any state?
A: Yes, except where prohibited. Typically open to all 50 states and D.C.

Q: Do I have to watch HGTV to win?
A: No, you only need to enter online.

Q: Can I choose cash instead of the home?
A: Not usually, but in some years, HGTV has offered a cash alternative or allowed winners to sell immediately.

Q: Do people actually win?
A: Yes! HGTV has publicly documented and interviewed real winners every year.

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13. Final Thoughts

The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is more than just a sweepstakes—it’s a fantasy brought to life. Whether you’re entering with serious hope or just for fun, it’s a glimpse into what homeownership could be at its most luxurious. To make a house a home, we recommend our home services.

While winning sounds amazing, it’s essential to understand the financial realities, including the tax obligations and long-term viability of keeping the home. Most winners opt to sell the home and walk away with a life-changing amount of money.

Still, the Dream Home offers something priceless: inspiration, hope, and a moment to dream big every year.