24/7
Premier NYC Attorneys
(718) 206-1555
Recent Cases
Brukina Faso
17,000,000
NYC Sidewalk Premises
900,000
Sara B.
320k Discharge
Lincoln Sq. Co.
2,000,000

What Is The Average Real Estate Closing Cost In NYC

By Dan Rose
Updated on June 26, 2025
Share Legal Wealth

Hello to my dearest and closest readers, today I will help make sure that nobody scams you or keeps you in the dark with a bag over your head as you’re trying to close on real property. Closing costs in New York City can catch many people off guard. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the extra fees, but after some digging, you find that buyers often pay between 2% and 5% of a home’s price at closing.

This guide will break down what these costs mean and how they add up for both buyers and sellers. You’ll know what to expect before making your next move in the NYC real estate market.

What Are Real Estate Closing Costs in NYC?

So now I want to talk about closing expenses in more detail. Real estate closing costs are the fees and charges that come at the end of a home purchase or sale. These costs include things like transfer taxes, title insurance, legal fees, mortgage closing fees, appraisal charges, and property taxes.

New York City has some of the highest transaction costs in the country. For example, buyers often pay a Mortgage Recording Tax if they use a loan. Sellers usually cover most of the real estate commission fees which can be 5% to 6% of a home’s price.

Both sides might also pay for their own attorneys since legal help is common here.

In New York City, both buyers and sellers have unique sets of settlement costs due to strict local rules.These extra expenses add up fast; it is not unusual for total buyer or seller closing expenses to reach tens of thousands of dollars on any single deal. Every fee serves a purpose tied to transferring ownership safely and legally under New York real estate law.

Average Closing Costs for Buyers

Closing costs for buyers can add up quickly in NYC. I have seen these expenses often include things like title insurance and property taxes.

Common Buyer Expenses

I am looking at buying a house in NYC. Knowing the average real estate closing costs is crucial for me. Here’s a list of common buyer expenses I found:

  1. Inspection fees: Before I buy, I need to pay for a home inspection. This checks if everything in the house is working right.
  2. Appraisal fees: The lender wants to know the house is worth what I’m paying. So, an appraisal is necessary and it costs money.
  3. Mortgage application fees: Applying for a loan to buy the house comes with its own set of fees.
  4. Title search fees: This makes sure the seller really owns the house and can sell it to me without legal problems.
  5. Title insurance costs: If there are any problems with the title that were missed earlier, this insurance protects me.
  6. Bank attorney’s fees: The bank lending me money for the house uses an attorney, and I have to pay for that service.
  7. Mortgage recording tax: Since I’m borrowing money to buy the house, there’s a tax for recording the mortgage.
  8. Transfer taxes: This fee goes to the government when property ownership changes hands.
  9. Settlement costs: These are various fees paid at closing, like document handling and preparation charges.

All these add up and make buying a house in NYC quite an expense on top of the purchase price itself.

Average Closing Costs for Sellers

Selling a home in NYC comes with its own costs. Sellers usually face expenses like commission fees, title insurance, and transfer taxes.

Common Seller Expenses

Selling a home in NYC involves various costs. Here is a look at common expenses for sellers.

  • Broker’s commission is one of the biggest expenses, often 5% to 6% of the sale price. This fee goes to the real estate agents.
  • Sellers pay for the New York City transfer tax, which ranges from 1.4% to 2.625%, depending on the sale price.
  • New York State also charges a transfer tax, which is 0.4% of the selling price.
  • If living in a condo or co-op, there might be fees for flip tax, move-out deposits, and other building-related charges.
  • Attorney fees are necessary for handling legal work; they vary but usually start around $1,500.
  • Capital gains tax applies if making a profit on the sale. The rate depends on how long owned the property and income level.
  • Sellers must also provide title insurance to the buyer, protecting against claims on the property. This cost varies based on the sale price.
  • There may be costs to repair or upgrade the home before selling it to increase its market value.

Every expense subtracts from what I take away from selling my property in New York City.

Conclusion

Closing costs in NYC can be high. Buyers and sellers face many expenses. It’s crucial to know these fees before finalizing a deal. For buyers, costs include mortgage fees and title insurance.

Sellers must cover commission fees and transfer taxes. Understanding these expenses helps me plan better for my real estate journey in the city.

Share Legal Wealth
GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Contact Us
88-02 136th St Queens, NY 11418
98-14 Queens Blvd
Corporate Office | Queens & Manhattan, NYC
718-206-1555
info@aronovlawny.com
BLOG

Related Articles

November 24, 2025

New York Divorce Laws: A Complete Guide To Equitable Distribution And Asset Division

  Are you wondering how your things get divided during a divorce in New York? It can feel confusing at first. In New York, the law calls this “equitable distribution.” This means the court does not always split everything fifty-fifty. Instead, judges look at what is fair for both people.…
November 14, 2025

How Child Custody And Support Work In A New York Divorce: Key Laws You Need To Know

Are you worried about child custody and support in your New York divorce? Many parents feel this way, and it’s very common. In fact, over 40% of divorces with kids involve child custody issues. My research breaks down what happens to your rights, how courts make decisions, and why knowing…
September 21, 2025

The Weaponization Of Child Custody In High-Conflict Divorces: When Children Become Pawns

Child custody battles can feel like warzones, especially in high-conflict divorces. Many parents know this pain all too well; studies show that over 20 percent of divorcing parents report strong disagreements about their children. During custody fights, some parents use legal tricks or play emotional games to get what they…
September 19, 2025

Local Divorce Lawyer Explains What In The World Is A Cohabitation Agreement

Ever wonder what happens if you and your partner split up after living together, but you're not married? It's a common worry. Many people feel stressed about losing their belongings or getting stuck with debts. I have seen clients struggle with these questions too. My research shows that cohabitation agreements…
View all Articles