Berkeley transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Berkeley, CA, transfer taxes come to $6,440 (1.61% of the price): Alameda County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and Berkeley real property transfer tax ($15–$25 per $1,000 by price), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Charter city: its own tax is charged on top of the full Alameda County $1.10/$1,000 (no credit). Measure W (Nov 2024) adds tiers from 1 Jan 2027: 2.5% from ~$1.6M, 3% from ~$1.9M, 3.5% from ~$3.0M (thresholds to be recalculated before then) — not yet in force.
Berkeley transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| Berkeley real property transfer taxCity | $15–$25 per $1,000 by price | Split 50/50 | $6,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (1.61% of the price) | $6,440.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Berkeley by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $4,025 | 1.61% | $2,150 | $1,875 |
| $400,000 | $6,440 | 1.61% | $3,440 | $3,000 |
| $600,000 | $9,660 | 1.61% | $5,160 | $4,500 |
| $800,000 | $12,880 | 1.61% | $6,880 | $6,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $16,100 | 1.61% | $8,600 | $7,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $24,150 | 1.61% | $12,900 | $11,250 |
| $2,500,000 | $65,250 | 2.61% | $34,000 | $31,250 |
| $5,000,000 | $130,500 | 2.61% | $68,000 | $62,500 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Berkeley?
Transfer tax is usually the second-biggest closing cost after the agent's commission. Comparing agents' fees often saves more than any exemption.
Exemptions in California
- Transfers between spouses or registered domestic partners
- Divorce transfers
- Gifts and inheritances (no consideration)
- Transfers to a revocable living trust
- Deeds in lieu of foreclosure (to the extent of the debt)
- Transfers to government entities
Local exemptions can differ; see California transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Alameda County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Berkeley?
1.61% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Alameda County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); Berkeley real property transfer tax ($15–$25 per $1,000 by price).
Who pays transfer tax in Berkeley?
Alameda County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. Berkeley real property transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split 50/50 between buyer and seller in Alameda County cities; buyer and seller are jointly liable.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Berkeley?
$8,050 in total (seller $4,300, buyer $3,750).
What is the county transfer tax in California?
$1.10 per $1,000 of value ($0.55 per $500 or fraction), in every county.
Who pays transfer tax in California?
Customarily the seller, though the purchase contract can change it.
Sources
- City of Berkeley — Property Transfer Tax
- Alameda County Clerk-Recorder — Real property transfer tax and city conveyance tax rates
- Chicago Title — California Customary Practices Guide 2026 (who customarily pays; city rates)
- California Revenue & Taxation Code §11911 (county documentary transfer tax)
- Alameda County Clerk-Recorder — Real property transfer tax and city conveyance tax rates
- CaliforniaCityFinance.com — California City Documentary and Property Transfer Tax Rates (rev. 1 Dec 2025)
- Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §11911 (leginfo)
- Riverside County Ordinance 516 (documentary transfer tax)
Last checked October 13, 2026. Rates in effect for residential sales; commercial, leasehold and entity transfers can differ. Always confirm with your title company or closing attorney before closing.