Closing Costs in Massachusetts
By Ziv Shay | Updated April 2026
Calculate exactly what buyers and sellers pay in closing costs in Massachusetts. Updated for 2026 with state-specific transfer taxes, fees, and requirements.
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Closing Costs in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
Massachusetts Transfer Tax
Massachusetts charges a transfer tax of 0.456% on real estate transactions. On a $350,000 home, this amounts to $1,596, which is typically split between the buyer and seller.
Average Closing Costs in Massachusetts
The average buyer closing costs in Massachusetts are approximately 2.73% of the home purchase price. On a median-priced home of $350,000, buyers can expect to pay around $9,555 in closing costs, plus their down payment. This is above the national average, largely due to attorney requirements and higher title and settlement fees.
Attorney Requirements
Massachusetts is one of the states that requires an attorney to be present at real estate closings. The attorney reviews all legal documents, performs the title search, and ensures the transaction complies with state law. Attorney fees in Massachusetts typically range from $800 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Tips for Reducing Closing Costs in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts's transfer tax rate is 0.456% of the sale price, typically split between buyer and seller.
- Massachusetts requires an attorney at closing. Budget $800-$2,000+ for legal representation. The attorney reviews documents and ensures proper title transfer.
- Massachusetts has above-average closing costs at 2.73% 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 Massachusetts Closing Costs
Average closing costs for buyers in Massachusetts are approximately 2.73% of the home purchase price. On a $350,000 home, that's about $9,555 in buyer closing costs. Seller costs are higher, typically 6-10% of the sale price due to agent commissions.
Yes, Massachusetts requires an attorney to be present at closing. The attorney reviews all documents, ensures proper title transfer, and represents your legal interests. Budget $800-$2,000+ for attorney fees at closing.
Massachusetts's transfer tax rate is 0.456% of the sale price. On a $350,000 home, that's $1,596 total, typically split between buyer and seller. Some counties may have additional local transfer taxes.
To reduce closing costs in Massachusetts: 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 Massachusetts With Neighboring States
| State | Transfer Tax | Avg Closing % | Attorney Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 0.46% | 2.73% | Yes |
| New Hampshire | 1.50% | 2.62% | Yes |
| Rhode Island | 0.46% | 2.55% | No |
| Connecticut | 0.75% | 2.71% | Yes |
| New York | 0.40% | 3.25% | Yes |
| Vermont | 1.25% | 2.61% | Yes |
