United States · Realty Transfer Tax
Delaware's realty transfer tax is the East Coast's heaviest: 2.5% state tax paid by the seller plus 1.5% county tax paid by the buyer, for a combined 4% of the full price. On a $400,000 home that is $16,000 of transfer tax, split $10,000 (seller) and $6,000 (buyer). There are no bands and no first-time buyer exemption at the state level, so the 4% line is a constant in every Delaware closing — budget it before you negotiate, because it rarely moves.
Preset rates are indicative reference values only. Confirm current rates and any reliefs with your local tax authority.
Jurisdiction comparison at $400,000.00
Delaware pays $16,000.00 (4%) vs Delaware at $16,000.00 (4%).
Combined transfer tax of 4% — 2.5% state (seller) plus 1.5% county (buyer) — the highest on the East Coast. Bands below are the standard residential buyer schedule used by the calculator.
| Property value | Rate |
|---|---|
| All values | Flat 4% of the full value |
Indicative figures compiled August 2026 — official source: Delaware Division of Revenue. Rates are typically indexed or revised each financial year.
A USD 400,000.00 purchase in Delaware attracts about USD 16,000.00 in realty transfer tax at the standard indicative rates — an effective rate of 4%. Recording fees run $50–150; title insurance is standard. That makes the all-in cash requirement USD 416,000.00 before you factor in any deposit, legal work, or moving costs. Adjust the price in the calculator to model your own number.
Combined transfer tax of 4% — 2.5% state (seller) plus 1.5% county (buyer) — the highest on the East Coast. Rates change with legislation and vary by buyer circumstances, so treat these as planning figures and confirm the current rate with Delaware Division of Revenue before you commit.
At the indicative rates above, a USD 400,000.00 property attracts about USD 16,000.00 in realty transfer tax — an effective rate of 4%. Recording fees run $50–150; title insurance is standard.. The calculator above lets you change the price and see the result instantly.
4% combined: 2.5% seller (state) + 1.5% buyer (county). Eligibility rules change frequently and vary by buyer type, so verify your situation with Delaware Division of Revenue or a conveyancer.
The buyer pays the tax in essentially every case in this market. It is payable in full before or at settlement and cannot normally be added to a mortgage, so it must be part of your cash budget alongside the deposit.
How we calculate: the calculator applies the official band schedule marginally — each rate applies only to the slice of the price inside its band, exactly as the revenue authority does. Worked examples are computed with the same function.
Last reviewed: . Learn more about Nirmal Lashkari and LashkariProperties.
Disclaimer: realty transfer tax rates change with legislation and vary by buyer circumstances. These are indicative planning figures, not tax advice — confirm every number with Delaware Division of Revenue or a qualified local professional.
