Each year, HGTV transforms one breathtaking property into a life-changing prize, and 2026 is no exception. The HGTV Dream Home 2026 invites fans to imagine a blend of lakeside serenity and high-end design innovation. Nestled on the calm waters of Lake Wylie in North Carolina, this year’s Dream Home embodies what it truly means to live beautifully, where modern architecture meets nature’s quiet elegance. It’s more than a home; it’s a dream realized, waiting for one lucky winner to call it their own.
The Hidden Cost of Winning
Winning a multimillion-dollar home sounds like a life-changing event, 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:
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Winners register their sweepstakes with Keep The Sweep.
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Our community-based funding network steps in to help cover taxes and ownership costs.
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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, ensuring winners can celebrate without losing sleep over tax deadlines or maintenance 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:
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Enter daily: Once per day on HGTV.com and once on FoodNetwork.com.
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Stay consistent: Use reminders to maximize your entries.
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Plan: Meet with a tax advisor and estimate potential liabilities.
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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.
