In 1970, Mr. and Mrs. Self purchased their first principal residence for $80,000. In 1995, they sold the house for $300,000 and purchased a new residence for $1.5 million. At that time, the Selfs were allowed to defer the $220,000 gain because they purchased a more expensive residence, but the basis of the residence was reduced by the gain deferred. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 eliminated this deferral provision and made it easier for taxpayers who sell a principal residence to exclude the gain resulting from the sale even if they do not purchase a replacement residence.