Maryland Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
Maryland's real estate transfer tax is 0.5% state (+ county + recordation) at the state level, which comes to about $2,000 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the split 50/50 and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. The $2,000 is state-only — most counties add their own transfer tax plus a recordation tax, so the real total is often $4,000–$8,000+.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in Maryland
- Rate: 0.5% state (+ county + recordation) (state portion)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$2,000 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Split 50/50
- Local county/city add-on: Yes — check your city/county
Good to know
The $2,000 is state-only — most counties add their own transfer tax plus a recordation tax, so the real total is often $4,000–$8,000+. The transfer tax is paid once, at closing, when the deed is recorded — it's separate from your annual property tax. Because counties or cities in Maryland add their own, your total can be higher than the state figure above — confirm the local rate for your city. Compare every state on our transfer tax by state ranking.
How Maryland compares nationally
Across the 35 states that charge for transfer tax on a $400,000 home, the average is about $2,162 (median $1,400). At $2,000, Maryland ranks #25 of 35 from the cheapest — below the national average.
Most expensive states
- Delaware — $16,000
- New Hampshire — $6,000
- Washington — $4,400
Frequently asked questions
How much is the real estate transfer tax in Maryland?
0.5% state (+ county + recordation) at the state level (plus any local add-on) — about $2,000 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in Maryland?
By custom, the split 50/50, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does Maryland have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
Yes — some counties or cities in Maryland add their own transfer tax on top of the state rate, so confirm your specific city and county.