Buying a home in District of Columbia

Property taxes, transfer taxes, home values and first-time buyer help in District of Columbia.

Effective property tax rate

0.58%

Median tax $4,312 ÷ median value $737,100 (ACS 2020–2024)

Typical home value

$570,119

Zillow ZHVI, 2026-08

Transfer & recording taxes Estimate

$16,533

Total on a $570,119 home; buyer’s typical share $4,133–$8,267.

How we estimated

Recordation tax (D.C. Code §42-1103, customarily buyer) and transfer tax (D.C. Code §47-903, customarily seller), each 1.45% of the price (1.1% under $400,000; 1.45% at $400,000+). Qualifying first-time buyers may pay a reduced 0.725% recordation rate (OTR Form FP-7C); the low end of the buyer range assumes that rate and is only an approximation of eligibility. Sources: DC Office of Tax and Revenue: Recorder of Deeds FAQ · D.C. Code §42-1103. Checked 2026-10-15.

Buyer’s transfer & recording taxes Estimate

$4,133–$8,267

On a $570,119 home. Lender fees and title insurance aren’t included because we don’t have a sourced figure for them in District of Columbia. Estimate the rest.

At District of Columbia's effective rate of 0.58%, a typical $570,119 home would owe about $3,307/year ($276/month) in property taxes. Actual bills depend on your county, city and exemptions. Run your numbers.

First-time homebuyer programs

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency

Your state housing finance agency offers down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for eligible buyers. Visit District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency →

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year (B25103, B25077); Zillow Home Value Index; TallyClose closing-cost dataset (CC BY 4.0), which cites each state statute; NCSHA HFA directory. Last updated 2026-10-15.