What Are Closing Costs in New Hampshire? A Plain-English Guide
What Are Closing Costs in New Hampshire? A Plain-English Guide
How much are closing costs in New Hampshire? The single biggest NH-specific item is the state's real estate transfer tax: $0.75 per $100 of the sale price, paid by each side — buyer and seller alike — which works out to $1.50 per $100 combined (RSA 78-B). On a $500,000 home, that's $3,750 for the seller and $3,750 for the buyer, before any other costs. Here's the full picture.
The NH transfer tax, explained
New Hampshire taxes real estate transfers at $0.75 per $100 (or fraction) of the price — and the statute applies that rate to both the buyer and the seller, so each side customarily pays its own share at closing. There's a $20 minimum per side on very small transfers. This is the tax that surprises out-of-state buyers who heard "New Hampshire has no sales tax" — true at the store, but not at the closing table.
What sellers typically pay
• Their side of the transfer tax ($0.75 per $100).
• Mortgage payoff and the recording of the discharge.
• Property tax prorations — NH towns bill taxes in installments, so the closing settles who owes what for the current period.
• Brokerage compensation, per the listing agreement you signed.
• Small items: deed preparation, courier and recording fees.
What buyers typically pay
• Their side of the transfer tax ($0.75 per $100).
• Lender costs if financing — origination, appraisal, credit and flood checks.
• Title search and title insurance, plus settlement fees.
• Recording fees for the deed and mortgage.
• Prepaid escrows — homeowner's insurance and property taxes collected up front.
Exact lender and title figures vary by company and loan, which is why I don't quote ranges here — your Loan Estimate and settlement statement give you real numbers for your deal, and I walk through both with my clients line by line.
FAQ: NH closing costs
How much is the real estate transfer tax in NH? $0.75 per $100 of the price, imposed on the buyer and the seller each — effectively $1.50 per $100 combined (RSA 78-B:1 and 78-B:4).
Who pays closing costs in New Hampshire? Both sides pay their own set: each pays half the transfer tax by custom, sellers cover payoff and commission, buyers cover lender and title costs. Any of it can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
Does New Hampshire have a sales tax on home sales? No general sales tax — the transfer tax above is the state's bite at closing.
General information, not tax or legal advice — your closing statement governs your transaction.
Want your real number?
If you're thinking about selling in the Lakes Region, the question behind closing costs is really "what will I walk away with?" I prepare that as a real net-proceeds picture, starting with what your home is worth today. Get your home value here →
Cami Navoy — Cami Navoy & Associates, Keller Williams Lakes & Mountains Realty, Meredith, NH
