Closing costs in Maine
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Maine — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Maine's actual rates.
- Transfer tax
- 0.44%
- customarily split-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$35
- a flat fee per document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$4.50 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
Maine in the national transfer-tax dataset
0.44%, #15 of 51 nationally; at $400,000, that is $1,120 above the median $640 tax at $400,000. The comparison uses the 51 source-verified state and DC records in the TallyClose dataset; null transfer-tax states count as 0% rather than being filled with an estimate.
- National rank
- #15 of 51
- highest state transfer-tax rate first
- Median-state tax at $400,000
- $640
- Maine: $1,760
- County coverage
- 0
- 0 with a city-tax field
Maine transfer-tax data: official source linked on this page, reviewed 2026-Q2.
How closing costs work in Maine
The biggest closing-cost variable in Maine is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.44% and is customarily split-paid. Maine's real estate transfer tax is $2.20 per $500 of value (0.44%), split equally between buyer and seller (each pays $1.10/$500 = 0.22%). Effective 2026-01-01, the flat deed recording fee is $35 under 33 M.R.S. § 751. Note: as of 2025-11-01, sales above $1,000,000 carry an additional surcharge of $3.80 per $500 on the amount above $1M (combined rate $6.00/$500 = 1.20% on that portion); the base $2.20/$500 on the full price and the 50/50 split remain unchanged.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $1,760 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are a flat fee per document and run around $35 for the deed.
For title insurance, Maine title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Maine does not require an attorney at closing — a title or escrow company typically handles settlement, though you can hire an attorney if you want one. 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: 36 M.R.S. § 4641-A (transfer tax); 33 M.R.S. § 751 (recording fee). Official source ↗
Recent Maine rule changes
Selected from the source-cited rule-change dataset by this state slug.
Maine closing cost calculator
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Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Maine?
In Maine, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (0.44%, customarily split-paid), county recording fees (a flat fee per document, around $35), and title insurance. Maine does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Maine?
Maine's real-estate transfer tax is 0.44% and is customarily split-paid. Maine's real estate transfer tax is $2.20 per $500 of value (0.44%), split equally between buyer and seller (each pays $1.10/$500 = 0.22%). Effective 2026-01-01, the flat deed recording fee is $35 under 33 M.R.S. § 751. Note: as of 2025-11-01, sales above $1,000,000 carry an additional surcharge of $3.80 per $500 on the amount above $1M (combined rate $6.00/$500 = 1.20% on that portion); the base $2.20/$500 on the full price and the 50/50 split remain unchanged.
Who pays closing costs in Maine?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Maine 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 Maine?
No. Maine does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company typically handles settlement. You may still choose to hire one.
Closest transfer-tax comparisons
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