Buying a home in Washington

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

Effective property tax rate

0.81%

Median tax $4,556 ÷ median value $564,600 (ACS 2020–2024)

Typical home value

$591,879

Zillow ZHVI, 2026-08

Transfer & recording taxes Estimate

$6,631

Total on a $591,879 home; buyer’s typical share $0.

How we estimated

Graduated state REET: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000, 3% above (RCW 82.45.060; thresholds rise to $551,000/$1,551,000/$3,051,000 on Jan 1, 2027). Local REET is added on top (usually 0.25%-0.5%). Usually paid by the seller. Sources: WA Dept. of Revenue: REET. Checked 2026-10-15.

Estimated buyer closing costs Estimate

$4,400–$6,100

On a $591,879 home: typical lender fees + title insurance + deed recording (TallyClose) + the buyer’s share of transfer/recording taxes. Excludes prepaids, escrow and local taxes.

At Washington's effective rate of 0.81%, a typical $591,879 home would owe about $4,794/year ($400/month) in property taxes. Actual bills depend on your county, city and exemptions. Run your numbers.

First-time homebuyer programs

Washington State Housing Finance Commission

Your state housing finance agency offers down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for eligible buyers. Visit Washington State Housing Finance Commission →

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.