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Virginia transfer tax rules (2026)
Buyers pay recordation taxes; sellers pay the grantor's tax.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| State recordation tax ($0.25 per $100) | 0.25% | Buyer |
| City/county recordation tax (1/3 of the state tax) | 0.083% | Buyer |
| Grantor's tax ($0.50 per $500) | 0.1% | Seller |
| Northern Virginia regional grantor taxNorthern Virginia regional grantor tax (+0.1%, paid by the seller) — add if you're there | Varies — enter yours | Contract / custom |
Virginia transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $667 | $200 | — | $867 (0.43%) |
| $400,000 | $1,333 | $400 | — | $1,733 (0.43%) |
| $600,000 | $2,000 | $600 | — | $2,600 (0.43%) |
| $800,000 | $2,666 | $800 | — | $3,466 (0.43%) |
| $1,000,000 | $3,333 | $1,000 | — | $4,333 (0.43%) |
| $1,500,000 | $5,000 | $1,500 | — | $6,500 (0.43%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Virginia vs other states
On a $400,000 home Virginia's taxes are $1,733 (0.43%), the 17th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Massachusetts$1,824
- Maine$1,760
- New York$1,600
- Georgia$1,480
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Virginia mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Virginia.
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
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- Louisiana
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- Virginia
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- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
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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.
- Virginia rules checked 2026-10-23: Virginia Tax — ruling 11-191 (recordation and grantor taxes); City of Alexandria — recordation tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Virginia?+
On a $405,000 home (about the Virginia median) the taxes come to $1,755, or 0.43% of the price: State recordation tax ($0.25 per $100) $1,013 (buyer), City/county recordation tax (1/3 of the state tax) $337 (buyer), Grantor's tax ($0.50 per $500) $405 (seller). That doesn't include the northern virginia regional grantor tax, which varies by location.
Who pays the transfer tax in Virginia, the buyer or the seller?+
State recordation tax ($0.25 per $100): buyer; City/county recordation tax (1/3 of the state tax): buyer; Grantor's tax ($0.50 per $500): seller; Northern Virginia regional grantor tax: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Virginia?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($1,755 on a $405,000 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 Virginia compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Virginia's $1,733 in taxes ranks 17th 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.