Imagine waking up every morning to panoramic lake views, sunlight spilling across an open-concept living room, and sleek modern finishes crafted by HGTV’s top interior designers. That’s the lifestyle promised by HGTV Dream Home 2026, a waterfront luxury retreat on the scenic shores of Lake Wylie, North Carolina — just outside Charlotte.
Each year, millions enter HGTV’s Dream Home Sweepstakes, drawn by the fantasy of winning a fully furnished, designer-built home worth millions. The 2026 edition raises the bar yet again, blending coastal tranquility and modern farmhouse elegance with open layouts, natural textures, and seamless indoor–outdoor living. Designed by Brian Patrick Flynn and built by Knotts Builders, this home embodies “luxury meets livability.”
But while the dream is free to enter, keeping the dream alive is another story.
The Hidden Cost of Winning
Winning a multimillion-dollar home sounds life-changing experience — until the IRS shows up. Every sweepstakes prize counts as taxable income, which means a $2.5 million Dream Home could bring a tax bill of $800,000 or more. On top of that, winners face yearly property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance that can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars.
HGTV provides the keys, but the tax responsibility is all yours. Historically, most winners either sell their prize within a year or take a smaller cash alternative — often worth only 50–60% of the total package.
That’s why so many Dream Home stories share a bittersweet ending: the thrill of winning followed by the heartbreak of selling.
Enter Keep The Sweep — Turning Luck Into Legacy
At Keep The Sweep, we believe winning should stay a blessing, not become a burden. Our platform is built to help sweepstakes winners actually keep their prizes, whether it’s an HGTV Dream Home, a luxury car, or a high-value giveaway.
Here’s how it works:
-
Winners register their sweepstakes with Keep The Sweep.
-
Our community-based funding network steps in to help cover taxes and ownership costs.
-
Instead of being forced to sell, winners can stay in their homes, enjoy their prizes, and manage the financial side stress-free.
We transform one-time luck into long-term empowerment, making sure winners can celebrate without losing sleep over tax deadlines or upkeep bills.
A Reality Check — and a Solution
Take the 2025 HGTV Dream Home winner in St. Marys, Georgia: a New York teacher who won a $2.2 million coastal home. Like many before them, they quickly discovered the staggering tax implications that make keeping the home nearly impossible without financial support.
Keep The Sweep was created to change that narrative. By joining, winners gain access to crowdfunding tools, financial education, and support networks that help bridge the gap between winning and affording.
Smart Tips for Future Entrants
If you’re planning to enter the HGTV Dream Home 2026 Sweepstakes, here’s how to prepare:
-
Enter daily: Once per day on HGTV.com and once on FoodNetwork.com.
-
Stay consistent: Use reminders to maximize your entries.
-
Plan: Meet with a tax advisor and estimate potential liabilities.
-
Register early: Sign up with Keep The Sweep now to be ready if your name is called.
Don’t Let Taxes Steal Your Dream
Winning a sweepstakes should feel like a fresh start, not a financial trap. Keep The Sweep is here to make sure the prize you win stays yours — turning fleeting luck into lasting legacy.
✨ Enter smart. Win big. Keep what’s yours.
Visit KeepTheSweep.com to learn more and register today
