Maryland taxes property sales through its state transfer tax, does not require an attorney at closing and requires a seller disclosure form. It forecloses through the courts and is not a community property state.
Maryland in short
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Maryland?
Maryland imposes a 0.5% state transfer tax on the consideration for a deed, dropping to 0.25% for a first-time Maryland buyer who will live in the home. Counties and Baltimore City add local transfer taxes (Baltimore City 1.5%) and a separate recordation tax.
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
What closing costs does Maryland law set?
Maryland has no official typical closing-cost total. The State transfer tax is 0.5% of the price, Baltimore City adds a 1.5% transfer tax and $5 per $500 recordation tax, and recording a residential instrument costs $60.
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
How is property tax calculated in Maryland?
Maryland property tax is local with a small state rate: for 2026-27 Baltimore City charges $2.248 per $100 of assessed value plus the State's $0.112, or $2.360 in total.
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
What is the deadline to appeal a property tax assessment in Maryland?
In Maryland, file your assessment appeal with the Department of Assessments and Taxation within 45 days of the notice date (60 days from the transfer if you bought between January 1 and June 30), then appeal to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board within 30 days of the final notice.
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Maryland?
No Maryland law read requires a buyer or seller to hire an attorney to close, but a deed cannot be recorded without a certification that an attorney or a party prepared it (Real Property 3-104(f)), and only licensed producers can conduct settlements.
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
What must a home seller disclose in Maryland?
A Maryland seller of a home with four or fewer units must give the buyer either a disclosure statement or an as-is disclaimer statement, on the Real Estate Commission's form, on or before the contract (Real Property 10-702).
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
How does foreclosure work in Maryland?
In Maryland the lender must send a notice of intent to foreclose at least 45 days before filing in court and cannot file until 90 days after the default, whichever is later. An owner-occupant can request mediation and can reinstate the loan until 1 business day before the sale.
Full Maryland guide · Compare all 50 states
What first-time home buyer programs does Maryland offer?
In Maryland, the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), run by the state housing department (DHCD), pairs a 30-year fixed loan with a $6,000 deferred loan or one equal to 3% to 6% of the first mortgage.
Maryland guides
- Closing costs in Maryland: what buyers and sellers pay
- Maryland transfer tax: 0.5% state rate and Baltimore's 1.5%
- Maryland property tax: how it works and the homestead credit
- Seller disclosure in Maryland: disclosure or disclaimer form
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Maryland?
- How foreclosure works in Maryland: notice, mediation, timeline
- Home prices in Maryland and Baltimore: median value and trend
- First-time buyer programs in Maryland and Baltimore
- How to verify a real estate license in Maryland
- Buying a rental property in Maryland: tenant rules to know (state-specific topic)