State Guides/New Jersey
NJ

New Jersey Home Buying Guide

Northeast Region · Judicial Foreclosure State

Attorney Required

Key Facts at a Glance

Median Home Price
$510,000
Property Tax Rate
2.49%
Transfer Tax
1.0%
Attorney Required
Yes
Foreclosure Type
Judicial

What Makes New Jersey Unique

Highest property taxes in the US at 2.49%

Attorney required at closing

$15,000 DPA available for first-time buyers

First-Time Buyer Programs in New Jersey

1

NJHMFA First-Time Homebuyer Program

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

2

NJHMFA DPA

Contact your state housing finance agency for current eligibility and rates

3

Down Payment Assistance $15,000

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 New Jersey

1.8%
Avg Closing Costs
of purchase price
$9,180
Estimated Closing Costs
on median-priced home
1%
Transfer Tax
may be split with seller

Attorney at Closing

Attorney Required at Closing

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

Local Tips for New Jersey Buyers

1

NJ has the highest property taxes in the nation — plan for $800–$1,500/month.

2

$15,000 DPA is forgivable after 5 years of occupancy.

3

Judicial foreclosure in NJ can take 3+ years — strong borrower protections.

Estimated Annual Ownership Cost in New Jersey

Based on the median home price of $510,000 with a 10% down payment and 7% mortgage rate.

Annual Mortgage Payment$36,628
Annual Property Taxes$12,699
Homeowners Insurance (est.)$2,550
Maintenance (est. 1%/yr)$5,100

Ready to Calculate Your Numbers?

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