Kenton transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Kenton, DE, transfer taxes come to $14,000 (3.5% of the price): Delaware state realty transfer tax (2.5%) and Kenton realty transfer tax (1%), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Because the local rate is below the full 1.5%, the state rate here is 3% instead of 2.5% (30 Del. C. 5402(a)). Total 4%.
Kenton transfer tax calculator
- State
- Municipal
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware state realty transfer taxState | 2.5% | Split 50/50 | $10,000.00 |
| Kenton realty transfer taxMunicipal | 1% | Split 50/50 | $4,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (3.5% of the price) | $14,000.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Kenton by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $8,750 | 3.5% | $4,375 | $4,375 |
| $400,000 | $14,000 | 3.5% | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| $600,000 | $21,000 | 3.5% | $10,500 | $10,500 |
| $800,000 | $28,000 | 3.5% | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $35,000 | 3.5% | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $52,500 | 3.5% | $26,250 | $26,250 |
| $2,500,000 | $87,500 | 3.5% | $43,750 | $43,750 |
| $5,000,000 | $175,000 | 3.5% | $87,500 | $87,500 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Kenton?
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 Delaware
- Transfers between spouses or ex-spouses in divorce
- Parent to child (or child's spouse)
- Transfers to a trustee/straw party for the grantor
- Deeds in lieu of foreclosure to the lender
- Transfers to or from government
- Value under $100
Local exemptions can differ; see Delaware transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Kent County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Kenton?
3.5% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Delaware state realty transfer tax (2.5%); Kenton realty transfer tax (1%).
Who pays transfer tax in Kenton?
Delaware state realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Apportioned equally between grantor and grantee by statute.. Kenton realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Split 50/50 between buyer and seller by custom and most local codes. The contract can change the split.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Kenton?
$17,500 in total (seller $8,750, buyer $8,750).
Who pays transfer tax in Delaware?
By law the tax is split equally between buyer and seller.
What is the Delaware transfer tax rate?
Usually 4% total: 2.5% state and 1.5% local. If no local tax applies, the state rate is 3%.
Sources
- Kent County Recorder of Deeds - Realty Transfer Tax Rates (KCROD-10.0, 5/23/2025)
- 22 Del. C. sec. 1601 - Municipal realty transfer tax (max 1.5%)
- 30 Del. C. ch. 54 (Realty Transfer Tax) §§5401–5402
- Delaware Division of Revenue – First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
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.