Closing Costs in Maryland
By Ziv Shay | Updated April 2026
Calculate exactly what buyers and sellers pay in closing costs in Maryland. Updated for 2026 with state-specific transfer taxes, fees, and requirements.
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Closing Costs in Maryland: What You Need to Know
Maryland Transfer Tax
Maryland charges a transfer tax of 0.500% on real estate transactions. On a $350,000 home, this amounts to $1,750, which is typically split between the buyer and seller.
Average Closing Costs in Maryland
The average buyer closing costs in Maryland are approximately 2.82% of the home purchase price. On a median-priced home of $350,000, buyers can expect to pay around $9,870 in closing costs, plus their down payment. This is above the national average, largely due to higher title and settlement fees.
Attorney Requirements
Maryland does not require an attorney at real estate closings. Transactions are typically handled by title companies or escrow agents. While not required, many buyers and sellers in Maryland still choose to hire an attorney for added legal protection, especially in complex transactions.
Tips for Reducing Closing Costs in Maryland
- Maryland's transfer tax rate is 0.500% of the sale price, typically split between buyer and seller.
- Maryland does not require an attorney at closing. You can use a title company or escrow agent, which may save on fees.
- Maryland has above-average closing costs at 2.82% of the home price. Shop around for title insurance and lender fees to reduce costs.
- Close at the end of the month to minimize prepaid interest charges. You only pay interest from closing day through month end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Closing Costs
Average closing costs for buyers in Maryland are approximately 2.82% of the home purchase price. On a $350,000 home, that's about $9,870 in buyer closing costs. Seller costs are higher, typically 6-10% of the sale price due to agent commissions.
No, Maryland does not require an attorney at closing. You can use a title company or escrow agent to handle the closing process. However, hiring an attorney is still recommended for complex transactions.
Maryland's transfer tax rate is 0.500% of the sale price. On a $350,000 home, that's $1,750 total, typically split between buyer and seller. Some counties may have additional local transfer taxes.
To reduce closing costs in Maryland: shop at least 3 lenders and compare Loan Estimates, negotiate seller credits (especially in a buyer's market), compare title insurance quotes from multiple providers, close at the end of the month to minimize prepaid interest, and ask about lender credits in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate.
Compare Maryland With Neighboring States
| State | Transfer Tax | Avg Closing % | Attorney Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 0.50% | 2.82% | No |
| Pennsylvania | 1.00% | 2.75% | Yes |
| Delaware | 4.00% | 3.12% | Yes |
| Virginia | 0.25% | 2.31% | No |
| West Virginia | 0.22% | 2.19% | Yes |
| Washington D.C. | 1.40% | 3.08% | Yes |
