Who pays the conveyance tax in Connecticut?

The seller. Connecticut law makes the tax payable by the person conveying the property when the deed is recorded with the town clerk (CGS § 12-495).

How much is the conveyance tax on a $500,000 home in Connecticut?

$5,000 in most towns: $3,750 to the state (0.75%) and $1,250 to the town (0.25%). In a town that charges the extra 0.25%, the town's share is $2,500.

Is there a higher conveyance tax on expensive homes in Connecticut?

Yes. Since July 1, 2020, the state's share is 1.25% on the part of a home's price from $800,000 to $2.5 million and 2.25% on the part above $2.5 million, on top of 0.75% on the first $800,000 (CGS § 12-494). On a $1,000,000 home that is $8,500 to the state.

What happens if the seller doesn't give the buyer a property condition report?

Most sellers of homes must give buyers a written residential condition report before the buyer signs a contract. If a seller who must provide one doesn't, the seller credits the buyer $500 at closing (CGS §§ 20-327b and 20-327c). The credit doesn't excuse the seller from disclosing defects they must disclose.

What do sellers sign about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

At closing on a one- or two-family home or a condo, the seller gives the buyer a signed affidavit that the home has smoke detectors in or near each bedroom and carbon monoxide detectors, unless the home has no fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage (CGS § 29-453).

Updated October 20, 2026 · Connecticut law as published by the General Assembly

Closing costs in Connecticut

What buyers and sellers pay at a Connecticut closing, with the conveyance tax worked out for any price. Amounts here come from Connecticut law; for everything else, your lender’s Loan Estimate and your attorney give the exact figures.

Conveyance tax on a home sale

Sale priceThe town charges the extra 0.25%

State: $3,750
Town (0.25%): $1,250
Total, paid by the seller: $5,000
Share of the price: 1.00%

State rates for a home: 0.75% of the price up to $800,000, 1.25% of the part from $800,000 to $2.5 million, and 2.25% of the part above $2.5 million. Towns add 0.25%; targeted investment communities and towns with designated manufacturing plants may add up to another 0.25%. Your attorney confirms the exact amount.

What sellers usually pay

Conveyance tax, state and town, when the deed is recorded (the calculator above). On a $400,000 home in most towns it is $4,000.
Their attorney, who prepares the deed and handles the closing documents. In Connecticut, buyers and sellers usually each have their own real estate attorney.
Paying off their mortgage, and recording its release.
Real estate commission, as set in their listing agreement.
Property tax adjustments with the buyer, worked out by the attorneys from what has been paid to the town.
$500 credit to the buyer if they had to provide a residential condition report and didn’t (CGS § 20-327c).

What buyers usually pay

Lender charges: origination fees, any points, the appraisal and credit report. Your Loan Estimate lists them; compare it with the Closing Disclosure before closing.
Their attorney and the title search and title insurance (the lender’s policy, and an owner’s policy if they choose one).
Recording fees at the town clerk for the deed and the mortgage.
Prepaid items: the first year of homeowner’s insurance, interest to the end of the month, and deposits to the loan’s escrow account for taxes and insurance.
Property tax adjustments with the seller, and any common charges for a condo.
Inspections (home, radon, well water, septic, pests) are usually paid before closing, when they happen.

Monthly costs after closing: see property taxes by town for the tax on a home in each town.

Connecticut rules that show up at closing

Residential condition report. Most sellers must give buyers a written report on the home’s condition before the buyer signs a contract; estates, new construction with a builder’s warranty and some other sales are exempt (CGS § 20-327b).
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The seller signs an affidavit at closing about the home’s detectors (CGS § 29-453).
Conveyance tax. Paid by the seller to the town clerk when the deed is recorded (CGS §§ 12-494 and 12-495).

Quick answers about Connecticut closing costs

Who pays the conveyance tax in Connecticut?: The seller. Connecticut law makes the tax payable by the person conveying the property when the deed is recorded with the town clerk (CGS § 12-495).
How much is the conveyance tax on a $500,000 home in Connecticut?: $5,000 in most towns: $3,750 to the state (0.75%) and $1,250 to the town (0.25%). In a town that charges the extra 0.25%, the town's share is $2,500.
Is there a higher conveyance tax on expensive homes in Connecticut?: Yes. Since July 1, 2020, the state's share is 1.25% on the part of a home's price from $800,000 to $2.5 million and 2.25% on the part above $2.5 million, on top of 0.75% on the first $800,000 (CGS § 12-494). On a $1,000,000 home that is $8,500 to the state.
What happens if the seller doesn't give the buyer a property condition report?: Most sellers of homes must give buyers a written residential condition report before the buyer signs a contract. If a seller who must provide one doesn't, the seller credits the buyer $500 at closing (CGS §§ 20-327b and 20-327c). The credit doesn't excuse the seller from disclosing defects they must disclose.
What do sellers sign about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?: At closing on a one- or two-family home or a condo, the seller gives the buyer a signed affidavit that the home has smoke detectors in or near each bedroom and carbon monoxide detectors, unless the home has no fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage (CGS § 29-453).

Sources: Connecticut General Statutes §§ 12-494, 12-495, 20-327b, 20-327c and 29-453, as published by the Connecticut General Assembly (checked October 20, 2026). This page is general information, not legal or tax advice; your attorney and lender confirm the figures for your sale. Planning a sale? See what you’d net; buying? See the buyer guide.