Nick JungmarkerMD & DC Realtor

Buying a Home in Maryland vs. DC: The Differences That Actually Matter

By Nick Jungmarker, REALTOR® with Long & Foster, licensed in Maryland and DC · Updated

Quick answer

Maryland and DC sit side by side but run on different rules. DC offers larger down payment programs (HPAP up to $202,000) and a first-time buyer recordation tax break, but charges deed taxes of 1.1% to 1.45% on each side of the deal and has tenant purchase rights (TOPA) that can affect some rentals. Maryland's help comes mostly from the Maryland Mortgage Program plus county programs of up to $50,000 in Montgomery and Prince George's. Your agent must be licensed where the home is.

Biggest DC program
HPAP, up to $202,000
Biggest Maryland county programs
Up to $50,000 (Montgomery, Prince George's)
DC deed taxes
1.1% under $400k, 1.45% at $400k+
Agent licensing
Must be licensed in the state or DC where the home is

Side by side

TopicMarylandWashington, DC
Down payment programsMaryland Mortgage Program ($6,000 or 3% to 5%; HomeStart 6%; SmartBuy up to $25,000 of student debt) plus county programsHPAP up to $202,000 + $4,000; DC Open Doors 3% or 3.5%; DC4ME and EAHP for DC employees
Deed taxes at closingState and county transfer and recordation taxes; amounts vary by countyTransfer tax (seller, by custom) and recordation tax (buyer, by custom): 1.1% under $400,000, 1.45% of the full price at $400,000 or more
First-time buyer tax breakAsk your lender and title company what applies in your countyRecordation tax drops to 0.725% on homes up to $777,000
Tenant purchase rightsNo DC-style TOPATOPA gives tenants in many rentals the first chance to buy when the owner sells; most single-family homes are exempt
Who handles settlementTypically a title company; an attorney is not requiredTypically a title or settlement company
Your agentMust hold a Maryland licenseMust hold a DC license

Which side is cheaper to buy on?

It depends on the home, your income, and which programs you qualify for. A first-time buyer who qualifies for HPAP may get far more help in DC. A buyer over DC's program income limits may find more space for the money in Montgomery or Prince George's County, especially near Metro stops like Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Hyattsville, or College Park.

Run both scenarios with a lender who works with both MMP and DC programs before you narrow your search. Nick's team can connect you with one.

Buying a rented property in DC

If a DC home is occupied by tenants, check whether TOPA applies. It can add time to a purchase because tenants must be offered the first chance to buy. Most single-family homes are exempt, but condos and multi-unit buildings often are not. Ask early, before you are under contract.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a different agent to buy in DC than in Maryland?

Your agent has to be licensed where the home is. Nick Jungmarker is licensed in both Maryland and DC, so you can compare homes on both sides of the line with one agent, backed by his team.

Are DC closing costs higher than Maryland's?

DC's deed taxes are significant, 1.1% or 1.45% each for the buyer's recordation tax and the seller's transfer tax, though first-time buyers can get the 0.725% rate. Maryland's taxes vary by county. Compare a lender's estimate for the specific home, and Nick's team can help you line them up.

Can I use Maryland and DC programs together?

No. Programs apply to homes in their own jurisdiction. Maryland programs are for Maryland homes and DC programs are for DC homes.

What is TOPA?

DC's Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act gives tenants in many rental properties the first chance to buy when the owner sells. Most single-family homes are exempt.

Have a question about your situation?

I'm licensed in Maryland and DC and work in English and Spanish. Call or text, or send a message and my team will be in touch shortly. I'll personally help you work out the right next step.

Ask Nick(301) 875-7182

Sources

General information, not legal, tax, or lending advice. Programs, rates, and limits change; confirm details with an approved lender or the program administrator. Facts checked October 20, 2026.

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