Average closing costs in New Hampshire

Buying a home involves many steps, and understanding closing costs can help you feel more prepared and confident along the way. These fees cover the professional services and documentation required to finalize the transaction. In New Hampshire, both buyers and sellers pay a portion of the costs, and the total depends on the home, the loan, and local requirements. Knowing what to expect in advance can make your closing day feel much more manageable.

Key takeaways:

• Closing costs in New Hampshire average about 3.47% of the home’s purchase price for buyers.
• Common buyer costs include loan origination fees, inspections, appraisals, and title insurance.
• Seller expenses typically include real estate agent commissions (fully negotiable), prorated taxes, title fees, and deed preparation.
• Many fees — including lender charges, title services, and some optional items — can be compared or negotiated to help reduce your total closing expenses.

How much are closing costs in New Hampshire?

With the median home sale price around $499,300, a buyer in New Hampshire can expect to pay roughly $17,309 in closing costs, or about 3.47% of the home’s purchase price. Typical expenses include lender fees, appraisal costs, title insurance, escrow services, and taxes — all of which buyers and sellers settle at the closing table.

Costs can vary notably across the state as well. Buyers in Manchester, for example, may encounter different title or municipal fees than those purchasing in Nashua, Portsmouth, or Concord. These location-based differences — combined with lender fees, insurance, and loan structure — also affect your final cash to close.

Because closing costs often scale with the home’s value, it helps to understand how pricing is determined using tools like Rocket Mortgage’s home value guide.

What affects closing costs in New Hampshire?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay in closing costs across the state:

• Property location: Municipal taxes, insurance rates, and recording fees can differ significantly from one area to another.
• Home price: Higher home values typically result in higher closing fees.
• Loan type and down payment: FHA, VA, and conventional loans each come with different fee structures and insurance costs.
• Title and escrow fees: Vary depending on the title company and the complexity of the property’s title history.
• Taxes and recording charges: Local recording fees and prorated taxes differ across New Hampshire towns.
• Insurance and prepaid items: Includes homeowners insurance, prepaid interest, and escrowed tax amounts.

With these elements in mind, buyers can better anticipate their projected closing costs and prepare accordingly.

Are closing costs in New Hampshire above average?

Nationally, closing costs typically range from about 0.4% to 3% of a home’s purchase price. Based on the Lodestar’s average national sales price of $438,236, typical national closing costs can fall between roughly $1,750 and $13,150.

With an average buyer closing cost of $17,309, New Hampshire tends to be slightly above some New England neighbors but still well within expected national parameters. Higher home prices in certain areas, along with regional insurance rates and municipal recording fees, can raise total costs for buyers.

Compared with surrounding states, New Hampshire is relatively consistent. Massachusetts averages around 2.44% and Connecticut around 3.51%, both slightly below New Hampshire’s typical costs, while Maine (3.38%) falls close to the national midpoint and Vermont (4.31%) trends higher due to regional tax and title-related fees.

For a deeper understanding of these expenses, you can learn more about what happens during closing and see how transfer taxes may affect your final total.

What do New Hampshire’s closing costs include?

Closing costs in New Hampshire include the essential fees and services needed to finalize a home purchase. Some charges relate to the mortgage itself, while others cover inspections, title verification, and the administrative work required to transfer ownership. Understanding these expenses can help buyers feel more confident and prepared on closing day.

• Lender-related fees: Application, origination, underwriting, and credit check fees. Some lenders may include rate-lock or processing fees.
• Appraisal fees: Required to confirm the home’s current market value.
• Home and pest inspection fees: Covers inspections for structural issues, safety concerns, and pest activity.
• Title search and insurance: Protects the buyer and lender by confirming clear property ownership and identifying potential liens.
• Survey fees: Confirms boundary lines and easements when needed.
• Courier and recording fees: Covers transporting and recording required documents with the county registry.
• Notary fees: Verifies the legality of signatures on closing documents.
• Prepaid items: Includes upfront payments for homeowners insurance, prepaid interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance fees when applicable.
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI): Required if the down payment is less than 20%.
• Attorney fees: Charged when legal review or representation is part of the process.
• Mortgage discount points: Optional fees paid upfront to reduce your interest rate.

Each of these fees contributes to a secure, well-documented home purchase. Reviewing your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure provides clarity on what you’re paying and why.

Who pays closing costs in New Hampshire?

Both buyers and sellers in New Hampshire are responsible for specific closing costs. While many expenses follow common patterns, some details can be negotiated depending on the contract and market conditions.

Closing costs for buyers

Buyers in New Hampshire typically cover most lender- and property-related fees. These charges relate to securing the mortgage, verifying the home’s condition, and ensuring a smooth legal transfer. Common buyer closing costs in New Hampshire include:

• Loan application and origination fees
• Home appraisal and inspections
• Title search and lender’s title insurance
• Prepaid expenses
• Recording and notary fees
• Attorney fees (if used)
• Mortgage discount points

Each fee helps protect the buyer and lender and supports a well-documented home purchase. Preparing early for these costs can help avoid unexpected expenses on closing day. For more guidance on preparing for up-front home buying expenses, check out first-time home buyer expenses to save for.

Closing costs for sellers

Sellers in New Hampshire also have several closing responsibilities. While some overlap with buyer expenses, the real estate agent commission (which is fully negotiable) is often the seller’s largest cost, followed by prorated taxes and required paperwork. Common seller closing costs in New Hampshire include:

• Real estate agent commissions
• Owner’s title insurance and title-related fees
• Prorated property taxes and HOA fees
• Deed preparation and recording fees
• Attorney fees (if used)
• Outstanding mortgages and liens
• Seller concessions

How to reduce your closing costs in New Hampshire

While certain closing costs in New Hampshire — including title insurance, recording fees, property taxes, and prepaid interest — can’t be negotiated, many others can be reduced with thoughtful planning. Buyers who take the time to compare lenders, explore assistance options, and negotiate credits may be able to significantly lower their upfront costs.

• Research home buyer assistance programs: New Hampshire offers several assistance programs aimed at making homeownership more accessible. The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) provides programs such as the Homebuyer Tax Credit Program and cash assistance options that may be used toward closing costs or down payments. USDA Rural Development loans are also available in many areas and can reduce upfront requirements for eligible buyers.
• Shop around for a lender: Lender fees differ from one company to another. Comparing multiple loan estimates can help you find lower origination or processing fees and reduce your total cash needed to close. Learn more about how to choose a mortgage lender to get the best deal.
• Negotiate seller concessions: Depending on local market conditions, sellers may agree to help cover your closing costs through a closing credit. Negotiating seller concessions can meaningfully reduce your upfront expenses.
• Consider a no-closing-cost mortgage: Some lenders offer no-closing-cost mortgage options that roll certain fees into the loan amount or increase the interest rate slightly, helping buyers reduce what they owe upfront.

Although not every cost is flexible, understanding which closing costs are negotiable can help you find opportunities to save before closing.

FAQ on closing costs in New Hampshire

Does New Hampshire require paying for a real estate attorney?

No, New Hampshire does not require buyers or sellers to use a real estate attorney during a home purchase. Most closings are handled by agents, title companies, and escrow professionals who oversee the necessary documents. Still, some buyers and sellers hire an attorney for added protection in unique or complex situations. Learn more about real estate attorneys.

When do New Hampshire buyers find out their closing costs?

New Hampshire buyers receive their estimated closing costs early in the loan process. Lenders provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of application. Final costs are delivered in a Closing Disclosure at least three days before closing. Reviewing both documents ensures accuracy and helps prepare for the final amount.

When and how will I pay my New Hampshire closing costs?

Closing costs in New Hampshire are paid on closing day when the title transfers. Buyers typically pay through a cashier’s check or wire transfer sent to the title or escrow company. Your final Closing Disclosure outlines the exact amount due and the steps for payment. Learn more about what happens when you close on a house.

How can I save up for New Hampshire’s closing costs?

Closing costs in New Hampshire average about 3.47% of the home’s purchase price. Setting up automatic transfers, saving tax refunds, or dedicating windfalls can help buyers build their closing-cost fund. New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority programs may also assist eligible buyers with down payment or closing expenses. For additional savings strategies, explore how to save for a house.

Are New Hampshire’s closing costs deductible on my taxes?

Most closing costs in New Hampshire aren’t tax deductible, including fees like appraisal, title insurance, and recording charges. However, mortgage interest paid upfront and prorated property taxes may qualify for deductions in the year you buy your home. Homeowners who itemize may also benefit from ongoing deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes. Learn more in are closing costs tax deductible and tax deductions for homeowners, or refer to IRS Publication 530 and Tax Benefits for Homeowners.

The bottom line: Prepare your finances for New Hampshire closing costs

Closing costs in New Hampshire typically average around 3.47% of the home’s purchase price, covering lender charges, appraisal and inspection fees, title services, taxes, and recording costs. Buyers and sellers each cover specific portions of these expenses, though totals vary based on the home, loan type, and negotiated terms. Understanding which fees will apply and where you may be able to save can help you budget more accurately. If you’re planning to buy a home in New Hampshire, now’s a good time to get preapproved and begin your mortgage application process.