Real Estate Law in Maryland

Maryland uses both attorneys and title companies for closings, with attorney involvement varying by county. Attorney fees range $1,000-$2,500. Maryland has transfer and recordation taxes that vary by county — combined rates range from 1% to over 3%. Montgomery County adds a supplemental transfer tax. Property taxes average 1.07% of home value. Maryland requires comprehensive seller disclosure and specific environmental compliance. Groundrents (a unique Maryland concept of perpetual ground leases from colonial times) still exist in Baltimore and require special title attention.