Closing costs in District of Columbia
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in District of Columbia — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses District of Columbia's actual rates.
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified. This figure is a knowledge estimate we have not yet confirmed against the official source, so this page is not indexed. Treat it as a rough guide only and verify with the state revenue department or county recorder.
- Transfer tax
- 1.1%
- customarily split-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$156
- a flat fee per document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$5.50 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Required
How closing costs work in District of Columbia
The biggest closing-cost variable in District of Columbia is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 1.1% and is customarily split-paid. Recordation tax 1.1% (buyer) + transfer tax 1.1% (seller) for homes under $400k; 1.45% each above $400k.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $4,400 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are a flat fee per document and run around $156 for the deed.
For title insurance, District of Columbia title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. District of Columbia is also an "attorney state": a licensed attorney must be involved in the closing, which adds an attorney fee that title-only states don't have. Lenders here typically charge $1,400–$3,200 in origination and processing fees, and 2 months of property-tax escrow is commonly collected at closing.
Statute: D.C. Code § 42-1103.
District of Columbia closing cost calculator
Pre-set to District of Columbia. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
Estimated closing costs
$12,691
≈ 3.17% of the home price · excludes your down payment
Cash to close
$92,691
incl. down payment
Line-by-line breakdown
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (1.1%, customarily split-paid), county recording fees (a flat fee per document, around $156), and title insurance. District of Columbia also requires an attorney at closing, which adds a fee. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia's real-estate transfer tax is 1.1% and is customarily split-paid. Recordation tax 1.1% (buyer) + transfer tax 1.1% (seller) for homes under $400k; 1.45% each above $400k.
Who pays closing costs in District of Columbia?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in District of Columbia is customarily split-paid. Buyers generally cover lender fees, the appraisal, lender's title insurance and prepaids; sellers generally cover the agent commission and, in most states, the bulk of the transfer tax. Everything is negotiable in the contract.
Do I need an attorney to close in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia is an "attorney state" — a licensed attorney must conduct or oversee the real-estate closing, which adds an attorney fee to your costs.
Other states
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