Who pays what in Maryland
Maryland splits transfer/recordation taxes between buyer and seller by custom; first-time homebuyers are exempt from the 0.25% state transfer-tax share and can ask the seller to pay it.
Closing costs by county in Maryland
Rates and medians vary widely inside Maryland. County-level breakdowns: Montgomery County (Bethesda / Rockville) — 0.95% effective property tax, median $620,000; Prince George's County (Upper Marlboro / Bowie) — 1.15% effective property tax, median $425,000; Baltimore County (Towson) — 1.15% effective property tax, median $345,000.
First-time buyer? Claim the exemption
Maryland first-time buyers are exempt from the state transfer-tax share and may negotiate the recordation tax split — worth $1,500–$3,000 on a median home, but only if it's written into the contract. Montgomery and PG counties have the highest recordation rates (up to 0.89%+).
Negotiation levers in Maryland
Three moves that actually work: (1) get Loan Estimates from 3 lenders — origination and points vary by thousands; (2) ask for seller concessions (3% conventional under 10% down, 6% above, 6% FHA) credited at closing; (3) close at month-end to shrink prepaid interest from ~30 days to ~2. In Maryland, transfer-tax custom is negotiable too — everything is a contract term.
FAQ
How much are closing costs in Maryland?
Budget 2–4% of the purchase price for buyer closing costs in Maryland, plus your down payment. On the $440,000 median Maryland home that's roughly $11,000–$17,600. MD splits transfer (0.5% state) and recordation (~0.55% county) taxes — buyers typically pay ~0.5–0.6%; first-time buyers get state transfer tax relief.
Does the buyer pay transfer tax in Maryland?
Yes — buyers in Maryland customarily pay about 0.50% of the price in transfer/recordation taxes. MD splits transfer (0.5% state) and recordation (~0.55% county) taxes — buyers typically pay ~0.5–0.6%; first-time buyers get state transfer tax relief.
Can I roll closing costs into the loan in Maryland?
Not directly, but you can trade a slightly higher rate for a lender credit that covers costs, or negotiate seller concessions. The break-even on a lender credit is typically 3–5 years — only worth it if you'll sell or refinance before then.
How much should I save to buy a house in Maryland?
Down payment + closing costs + 2–3 months of reserves. On the Maryland median $440,000 home with 10% down, that's roughly $57,200 before reserves — the calculator above gives your exact stack.
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