District of Columbia Closing Costs for Buyers: How Much You'll Pay
Buyer closing costs in District of Columbia typically run 2% to 5% of the price, roughly $13,530 to $33,825 on a median-priced home, on top of your down payment.
How much are closing costs in District of Columbia?
For a buyer, closing costs usually run 2% to 5% of the purchase price. On District of Columbia's median-priced home (about $676,500), that is roughly $13,530 to $33,825, and it is separate from your down payment. The exact figure depends on your lender, your loan, and local taxes.
What closing costs include
Closing costs are a bundle of one-time fees due at settlement: lender or origination fees, an appraisal, title insurance, escrow and settlement fees, recording fees and any District of Columbia transfer tax, plus prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Why District of Columbia closing costs vary
The single biggest reason closing costs differ from state to state is transfer taxes, which states and sometimes counties and cities charge on the sale. Title insurance customs and whether an attorney is required at settlement also matter. Measured in dollars, the District of Columbia has among the highest average closing costs in the country, driven by transfer and recordation taxes on the sale.
How a rebate offsets District of Columbia closing costs
Buyer commission rebates are legal in District of Columbia. Because a rebate can be paid as a credit at closing, it can erase a meaningful share of these costs. On a $676,500 home, a 2% rebate is about $13,530, often enough to cover much of the closing bill.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in District of Columbia?
Buyer closing costs in District of Columbia typically run 2% to 5% of the purchase price. On District of Columbia's median-priced home (about $676,500) that is roughly $13,530 to $33,825, on top of your down payment.
What do closing costs include in District of Columbia?
Lender or origination fees, an appraisal, title insurance, escrow and settlement fees, recording fees and any District of Columbia transfer tax, plus prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Who pays closing costs in District of Columbia?
The buyer pays most closing costs, but sellers often cover some through a negotiated concession. Transfer taxes may be paid by the buyer, the seller, or split, depending on District of Columbia custom and your contract.
Can a buyer rebate offset closing costs in District of Columbia?
Often yes. In District of Columbia, buyer commission rebates are legal, and a rebate can be applied as a credit toward your closing costs at the settlement table.
Source
Read the full buyer closing-costs guide →
Figures are typical 2026 ranges and vary by lender, loan, and location. This is general information, not financial advice; confirm your numbers with your lender and closing agent.
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