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Delaware transfer tax rules (2026)
Among the highest in the US: usually 4% in total, typically split equally between buyer and seller. First-time buyers get 0.5% off the buyer's share (up to $2,000).
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| State realty transfer tax | 2.5% | Split by law |
| County/municipal transfer taxCounty/municipal transfer tax (1.5% in most places; if none, the state rate is 3%) | 1.5% (pre-filled) | Contract / custom |
Delaware transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $175,000 | $2,188 | $2,188 | $2,625 | $7,000 (4%) |
| $200,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $8,000 (4%) |
| $375,000 | $4,688 | $4,688 | $5,625 | $15,000 (4%) |
| $550,000 | $6,875 | $6,875 | $8,250 | $22,000 (4%) |
| $750,000 | $9,375 | $9,375 | $11,250 | $30,000 (4%) |
| $1,000,000 | $12,500 | $12,500 | $15,000 | $40,000 (4%) |
| $1,500,000 | $18,750 | $18,750 | $22,500 | $60,000 (4%) |
10% down, principal residence, 1.5% local tax included. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Delaware vs other states
On a $400,000 home Delaware's taxes are $16,000 (4%), the 1st highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- District of Columbia$11,600
- Pennsylvania$8,000
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Delaware mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Delaware.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- Delaware rules checked 2026-10-23: Delaware Division of Revenue — realty transfer tax; Delaware — first-time homebuyer credit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Delaware?+
On a $370,000 home (about the Delaware median) the taxes come to $14,800, or 4% of the price: State realty transfer tax $9,250 (split by law), County/municipal transfer tax $5,550 (contract / custom).
Who pays the transfer tax in Delaware, the buyer or the seller?+
State realty transfer tax: split by law; County/municipal transfer tax: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Delaware?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($14,800 on a $370,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does Delaware compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Delaware's $16,000 in taxes ranks 1st highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.