How to Buy a House in Vermont
Updated 2026-03-02 | Data from Zillow, HUD, Tax Foundation
Avg Home Price
$406,730
Closing Costs
$18,662
4.59% of price
Property Tax Rate
1.42%
$4,915/yr median
Days on Market
40
Median
FHA Loan Limit
$472,030
Attorney Required
Yes
Foreclosure Type
Judicial
Transfer Tax
1.25%
1.25% (buyer, if not primary)
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Key Facts About Buying in Vermont
- ✓Attorney required at closing
- ✓High property taxes at 1.90%
- ✓Transfer tax waived for primary residence purchases
- ✓Judicial foreclosure state
The Home Buying Process in Vermont
Buying a home in Vermont follows a 10-step process. As an attorney state, you'll need legal representation at closing.
1
Check Your Credit Score & Finances
2
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
3
Find a Real Estate Agent
4
Search for Homes & Make an Offer
5
Get a Home Inspection
6
Secure Your Financing
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First-Time Buyer Programs in Vermont
VHFA ASSIST Second Mortgage
Down payment assistance for first-time buyers
Up to $15,000Income: Varies by county
Cost of Buying a Home in Vermont
| Down Payment (3.5% FHA) | $14,236 |
| Down Payment (20% Conventional) | $81,346 |
| Average Closing Costs | $18,662 |
| Transfer Tax | $5,084 |
| Annual Property Tax (est.) | $5,776/yr |
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Legal & Regulatory Details in Vermont
Homestead Exemption
Available
Up to $125,000
Licensing Authority
Vermont Real Estate Commission
Vermont Real Estate Law Overview
| Conveyance Document | Warranty, quitclaim and fiduciary deeds (with licence to sell) |
| Security Instrument | Mortgage deed |
| Foreclosure Process | Judicial |
| Attorney Required at Closing | Yes |
| Deficiency Judgment | Yes |
| Redemption After Sale | Yes |
| Reinstatement Available | Yes |
| Seller Disclosures | Sellers must disclose known defects in writing and provide any defects identified in a pre-sale inspection that were not fixed. They must comply with lead-paint rules and provide a smoke-detector certificate. Hauntings or crimes need not be disclosed unless asked. |
