Massachusetts Closing Cost Calculator
Estimate buyer closing costs in Massachusetts. Pre-loaded with the state's transfer tax (0.46%), property tax rate (1.23%), and typical recording fees — every line item editable.
Closing costs in Massachusetts
Buyers in Massachusetts typically pay around 1.9% of the purchase price in closing costs — separate from the down payment. On a $400,000 home that's roughly $7,600 in fees, taxes, and prepaid escrow.
What goes into closing costs?
- Lender fees — origination (typically 0.5–1.5% of loan), credit report, underwriting.
- Third-party fees — appraisal ($500–$700), home inspection ($400–$600), title search and title insurance.
- State and local taxes — transfer tax (0.46% in Massachusetts), recording fees, and Massachusetts does not impose a separate mortgage recording tax.
- Prepaid items — first months of property tax escrow, hazard insurance, and prepaid interest from closing day to month-end.
First-time buyer assistance in Massachusetts
The MassHousing Mortgage program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to qualifying first-time buyers in Massachusetts. Income limits and home price caps apply — check with a local lender or Massachusetts housing finance agency for current terms.
Who pays for what?
Closing cost responsibility splits vary by state custom and contract negotiation. In most US transactions the buyer pays lender, appraisal, inspection, and prepaid items. The seller typically pays real estate commissions and the owner's title policy. Transfer taxes split differently by state — in Massachusetts, transfer tax responsibility is negotiable but often follows local custom.
Compare to other states
Closing costs vary widely. Massachusetts buyers pay 1.9% on average — compare to high-cost states like Delaware (4.5%), New York (4.0%), and DC (4.0%), or low-cost states like Indiana (1.9%) and Missouri (1.6%). See the national calculator to compare side-by-side.
Frequently asked questions about Massachusetts closing costs
How much are closing costs in Massachusetts?+
Buyers in Massachusetts typically pay around 1.9% of the purchase price in closing costs. On a $400,000 home, that's roughly $7,600 — separate from your down payment. This covers lender fees, third-party fees (appraisal, inspection, title), state and local taxes, and prepaid escrow items.
What is the transfer tax in Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts's state realty transfer tax is 0.46% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that's about $1,840. Responsibility for paying the transfer tax is negotiable but often follows local custom — your title company will confirm who pays at closing.
Does Massachusetts have a mortgage recording tax?+
No, Massachusetts does not impose a separate mortgage recording tax. You'll still pay standard recording fees (typically around $200) to record the deed and mortgage with the county, but there's no percentage-based mortgage tax.
Who pays closing costs in Massachusetts?+
In Massachusetts, the buyer typically pays lender fees (origination, appraisal, credit report), third-party fees (inspection, attorney if used, title insurance lender policy), and prepaid items (first months of property tax escrow, hazard insurance, prepaid interest). The seller typically pays the real estate commission and the owner's title insurance policy. Transfer tax responsibility is negotiable but often follows local custom — your title company will confirm at closing.
Are there first-time home buyer programs in Massachusetts?+
Yes. The MassHousing Mortgage program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to qualifying first-time buyers in Massachusetts. Income limits and home price caps typically apply. Eligibility, current grant/loan amounts, and approved lender list change each year — check the Massachusetts housing finance agency or speak with a local lender for current terms.
Can I roll closing costs into the loan in Massachusetts?+
Some loan programs allow it. For VA and USDA loans, certain costs can be financed. For FHA and conventional loans, you typically cannot finance closing costs into the loan amount, but you can negotiate seller concessions (the seller pays a portion of your closing costs out of their sale proceeds). Seller concessions in Massachusetts are capped by loan program — conventional: 3% (high LTV) to 9% (low LTV); FHA: 6%; VA: 4%.
How accurate is this estimate?+
This calculator uses Massachusetts median rates and typical fee ranges to produce a reasonable estimate. Your actual closing costs vary by lender (origination fees range from 0% to 1.5%+), title company (insurance and search fees are competitive), county (recording fees and local transfer taxes vary), property (older homes may need extra inspections), and loan program (FHA, VA, conventional have different fee structures). Your binding number is the Loan Estimate (within 3 days of application) and Closing Disclosure (3 days before closing) from your lender.
Browse other state closing cost guides
Disclaimer: Estimates only. Closing costs vary by lender, title company, county, and property. Numbers reflect typical residential purchases in Massachusetts — your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are authoritative. This is not financial or legal advice.