Washington, D.C. Home Buyer Rebate: How Much Cash You Get Back
Commission rebates to buyers are legal in Washington, D.C.. Most buyers can get about 2% of the price back in cash at closing, roughly $14,940 on a median-priced Washington, D.C. home.
Look up your rebate
For example, $500,000
What is a commission rebate in Washington, D.C.?
When you buy a home in Washington, D.C., the seller usually pays your agent a commission of around 3% of the price, already built into what you pay. A commission rebate is when your buyer's agent gives part of that back to you, in cash, at closing. It is legal in District of Columbia, and it is your own money returned to you at no extra cost.
How much is a rebate on a Washington, D.C. home?
The recent median Washington, D.C. home price is about $747,000 (Redfin, Washington, D.C. three-month median sale price, May 2026). A 2% buyer rebate on that is roughly $14,940, paid to you at closing. Enter your own price above to see your number.
Frequently asked questions
What is a commission rebate in Washington, D.C.?
A commission rebate in Washington, D.C. is when your buyer's agent returns part of the commission they earn on your purchase to you, in cash, at closing. The buyer's-agent commission is already built into the home's price, so a rebate simply hands part of that money back to you.
Are buyer commission rebates legal in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Washington, D.C. follows District of Columbia law, and commission rebates to buyers are legal in District of Columbia. A licensed Washington, D.C. agent may rebate part of their commission to the buyer they represent.
How much is a buyer rebate in Washington, D.C.?
About 2% of the purchase price, paid to you at closing. On a $747,000 Washington, D.C. home (the recent median) that is roughly $14,940.
Are commission rebates taxable in Washington, D.C.?
Generally no. The IRS treats a buyer rebate as a reduction in the home's purchase price, not income, so you lower your cost basis instead of paying tax on it (IRS Letter Ruling 157111-06). This is general information, not tax advice.
What is the largest commission rebate I can get in Washington, D.C.?
There is no legal cap in District of Columbia. Rebates commonly run about 2% of the price, and some rebate-friendly Washington, D.C. brokerages return more. On a $747,000 home a 2% rebate is about $14,940. Get the exact amount in writing before you sign a buyer-representation agreement.
Official sources
See the full District of Columbia rebate guide and rules →
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so confirm the current rule with the D.C. Real Estate Commission (linked above) before you rely on it.
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