HI

Hawaii Home Buying Guide

West Region · Non-Judicial Foreclosure State

Homestead Exemption

Key Facts at a Glance

Median Home Price
$830,000
Property Tax Rate
0.27%
Transfer Tax
0.20%
Attorney Required
No
Foreclosure Type
Non-Judicial

What Makes Hawaii Unique

Lowest property tax rate in the US at 0.27%

Highest median home prices nationally

HHFDC offers below-market rates to Hawaii residents

First-Time Buyer Programs in Hawaii

1

HHFDC Hula Mae Single Family Program

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

2

USDA Rural Loans (Big Island)

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

3

VA Loans for veterans

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 Hawaii

0.9%
Avg Closing Costs
of purchase price
$7,470
Estimated Closing Costs
on median-priced home
0.2%
Transfer Tax
may be split with seller

Attorney at Closing

Attorney Not Required

Hawaii does not require an attorney at closing. A title company typically handles the transaction. Consider hiring one anyway for complex deals.

Local Tips for Hawaii Buyers

1

Low property taxes partially offset high purchase prices.

2

Leasehold vs fee simple — always confirm land ownership type.

3

VA loans are extremely popular for military/veteran buyers here.

Estimated Annual Ownership Cost in Hawaii

Based on the median home price of $830,000 with a 10% down payment and 7% mortgage rate.

Annual Mortgage Payment$59,611
Annual Property Taxes$2,241
Homeowners Insurance (est.)$4,150
Maintenance (est. 1%/yr)$8,300

Ready to Calculate Your Numbers?

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