State Guides/Delaware
DE

Delaware Home Buying Guide

Northeast Region · Judicial Foreclosure State

Attorney Required

Key Facts at a Glance

Median Home Price
$315,000
Property Tax Rate
0.58%
Transfer Tax
4.0% (split)
Attorney Required
Yes
Foreclosure Type
Judicial

What Makes Delaware Unique

No state sales tax

Transfer tax is split 50/50 between buyer and seller by custom

DSHA offers below-market 30-year fixed rates

First-Time Buyer Programs in Delaware

1

DSHA Welcome Home Program

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

2

DSHA Preferred Plus

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

3

Preferred Conventional Loan

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

Program availability, income limits, and interest rates change frequently. Verify current terms with your lender or state housing finance agency.

Closing Costs in Delaware

1.5%
Avg Closing Costs
of purchase price
$4,725
Estimated Closing Costs
on median-priced home
4%
Transfer Tax
may be split with seller

Attorney at Closing

Attorney Required at Closing

Delaware requires a licensed real estate attorney to oversee the closing process. Budget $500–$1,500 for attorney fees.

Local Tips for Delaware Buyers

1

Transfer tax appears high at 4% but buyer typically pays half.

2

No sales tax makes other purchases cheaper.

3

Negotiate transfer tax split in your purchase contract.

Estimated Annual Ownership Cost in Delaware

Based on the median home price of $315,000 with a 10% down payment and 7% mortgage rate.

Annual Mortgage Payment$22,623
Annual Property Taxes$1,827
Homeowners Insurance (est.)$1,575
Maintenance (est. 1%/yr)$3,150

Ready to Calculate Your Numbers?

Use our free calculators to estimate your monthly payment, affordability, and closing costs in Delaware.