Buying a home in Vermont

Property taxes, transfer taxes, home values and first-time buyer help in Vermont.

Effective property tax rate

1.59%

Median tax $5,039 ÷ median value $316,600 (ACS 2020–2024)

Typical home value

$399,053

Zillow ZHVI, 2026-08

Transfer & recording taxes Estimate

$3,926

Total on a $399,053 home; buyer’s typical share $3,926.

How we estimated

Principal residence: 0.5% on the first $200,000, then 1.25% + 0.22% clean water surcharge (1.47%) above that (32 V.S.A. §9602). The buyer is liable. Sources: VT Dept. of Taxes: Property Transfer Tax. Checked 2026-10-15.

Estimated buyer closing costs Estimate

$7,100–$8,900

On a $399,053 home: typical lender fees + title insurance + deed recording (TallyClose) + the buyer’s share of transfer/recording taxes. Excludes prepaids, escrow and local taxes.

At Vermont's effective rate of 1.59%, a typical $399,053 home would owe about $6,345/year ($529/month) in property taxes. Actual bills depend on your county, city and exemptions. Run your numbers.

First-time homebuyer programs

Vermont Housing Finance Agency

Your state housing finance agency offers down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for eligible buyers. Visit Vermont 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.