State guide · MD
Closing costs in Maryland
On a median-priced Maryland home ($430,000), buyers typically bring $8,600–$21,500 to the closing table beyond the down payment — with Maryland's transfer tax and its title company closing convention shaping where you land in that range.
Typical buyer costs
$8,600–$21,500
Transfer tax
1.50%
Closing style
title company
What's inside the number: lender fees and any points (the part you can shop hardest), prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance, title search and title insurance, recording fees, and the transfer tax. Maryland runs title company closings: title company closing; attorneys involved for document preparation.
Maryland's transfer tax alone is roughly $6,450 on a median home — customarily paid by split by custom; first-time-buyer share often shifted to seller. Details and local add-ons are on our Maryland transfer tax page.
The most effective ways to shrink the bill: shop three or more lenders and compare Section A of their Loan Estimates (see how to choose a lender), ask the seller for a closing credit as part of your offer, and shop the title agency where your state allows it. Line-item what to expect with the closing cost estimator.
Common questions
How much are closing costs in Maryland?
Buyers typically pay 2-5% of the purchase price — about $8,600 to $21,500 on a median-priced Maryland home ($430,000). The biggest swings come from lender fees and points, prepaid taxes and insurance, the transfer tax, and title costs.
Do I need an attorney to close on a home in Maryland?
Not required. Title company closing; attorneys involved for document preparation. Hiring your own attorney is still a reasonable choice for unusual deals — estates, FSBOs, or anything contested.
Who pays the transfer tax in Maryland?
Split by custom; first-time-buyer share often shifted to seller. State transfer tax of 0.5% plus county transfer taxes (0.5-1.5%) plus recordation taxes — roughly 1.5% combined in most counties; first-time buyers get a state reduction. Custom controls the default, but the purchase contract can move it — it's a negotiable line like everything else at the table.
Estimate your Maryland closing costs
A line-item estimate — lender fees, title and escrow, prepaids — so the number on closing day doesn't surprise you.
Open the closing cost estimatorRanges apply the typical national 2–5% of purchase price to Maryland's approximate median home value — a planning estimate, not a quote. Lender fees depend on your loan; your official Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the real numbers.