Delaware · Property Tax & Closing Costs
Delaware property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 3 counties in Delaware. The average effective rate across the state is 0.49%, ranking Delaware 44 of 51 (lowest property taxes nationally). Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
0.49%
across 3 counties
National rank
#44
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$352,200
county median in state
Rate range
0.32%–0.71%
Sussex County → New Castle County
Same home, different county
On a $352,200 home (the typical county median in Delaware), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$1,377/yr
$115/mo · $13,771 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in Delaware
The five Delaware counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sussex County | 0.32% |
| Kent County | 0.43% |
| New Castle County | 0.71% |
Highest property tax rates in Delaware
The five Delawarecounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| New Castle County | 0.71% |
| Kent County | 0.43% |
| Sussex County | 0.32% |
Delaware real estate transfer tax
Delaware charges a combined transfer tax of about 4.00% of the purchase price. On a $352,200 home, that is roughly $14,088 in total.
| Paid by | Rate | On $352,200 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 2.00% | $7,044 |
| Seller | 2.00% | $7,044 |
Total combined rate 4% (state 2.5% + local 1.5%) in New Castle County, split 50/50 between buyer and seller by custom. Kent County total 3%, Sussex County total 3.5%. First-time DE buyers receive reduction on the buyer half.
Delaware is an attorney-closing state: expect a real estate attorney fee of roughly $600–$1,500 at closing.
Official Delaware source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in Delaware
Across Delaware's 3 counties, buyer closing costs run $4,747 to $9,631 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs, the down payment and the transfer tax, runs $74,399 to $93,799. Pick your county for your own figures.
Delaware closing cost calculatorDelaware property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in Delaware may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Senior School Property Tax Credit
Homeowners 65+ receive a 50% credit against school property tax on their primary residence, capped at $500 (raised to $1,000 for tax years beginning Jan 1, 2026). 10-year Delaware residency required.
View official source →Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit
100% credit against non-vocational school district property taxes on a primary residence for veterans with a 100% VA service-connected disability rating. Cannot be combined with the senior credit.
View official source →First-Time Home Buyer Realty Transfer Tax Reduction
First-time Delaware home buyers receive a 0.5% reduction in the buyer's share of the state realty transfer tax on the first $400,000 of purchase price.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 3 counties in Delaware
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in Delaware. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Kent County | 0.43% |
| New Castle County | 0.71% |
| Sussex County | 0.32% |
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.