District of Columbia housing costs at a glance
| District of Columbia | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $577,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.7% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.72% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $1,200 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | higher than the $832,750 national baseline, because DC is a high-cost area – check the FHFA table |
Example: median-priced home
District of Columbia home for $577,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $2,918 + property tax $346 + insurance $100 = about $3,364 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Washington, DC property tax
DC taxes owner-occupied homes at $0.85 per $100 of assessed value (0.85%), and the homestead deduction takes about $90,000 off the assessed value of your primary residence; the taxable assessment of a homestead can also rise by at most 10% a year. For a median-priced home that works out to about 0.7% of the price. Apply for the homestead deduction with the Office of Tax and Revenue.
DC closing costs
- Recordation tax (buyer) and transfer tax (seller): each 1.1% of the price below $400,000 and 1.45% from $400,000. Eligible first-time buyers pay a reduced recordation tax.
- Insurance: about $1,200 a year for $300,000 of dwelling coverage; condo owners need only an interior (HO-6) policy.
- See also the DC paycheck calculator.
Other states
See also the District of Columbia paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Washington, DC?
$0.85 per $100 of assessed value for owner-occupied homes, reduced by the homestead deduction of about $90,000.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Washington, DC home?
On a $577,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $2,918; with property tax at 0.72% and average insurance the total is about $3,364 a month.
How much are closing taxes in DC?
Buyers pay a recordation tax and sellers a transfer tax, each 1.1% below $400,000 and 1.45% at $400,000 or more.
How much can DC property tax go up each year?
For a homestead, the taxable assessment can rise by at most 10% a year.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- DC Office of Tax and Revenue – real property
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026