What it costs to sell a home in San Mateo

Updated September 17, 2026. General information for sellers in the city of San Mateo, California. It is not legal or tax advice.

The sale price is not what you take home. Sellers in the city of San Mateo pay two transfer taxes, plus loan payoffs, commissions and closing costs. Some sellers also have tax withholding at closing. Here is what to plan for, with the official rates.

San Mateo County documentary transfer tax

San Mateo County charges a documentary transfer tax when a deed is recorded. According to the County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, the rate is 55 cents for each $500 of value, which equals $1.10 for every $1,000. It is based on the purchase price or fair market value. The value of existing loans that the buyer takes over can be subtracted before the tax is figured. The tax is paid when the deed is recorded.

City of San Mateo transfer tax

Homes inside San Mateo city limits also pay the city's real property document transfer tax, set by Municipal Code section 3.48.010. Voters raised the rate with Measure CC, adopted as Ordinance 2022-15. The rates are:

One-half of one percent (0.5%) when the price or value is less than $10 million.
One and one-half percent (1.5%) when the price or value is $10 million or more.

Under the city code, the people who sign or benefit from the deed are jointly responsible for the tax. In practice, your purchase contract says who pays it. Ask your agent what is usual in San Mateo, and read that line of the contract carefully.

Check the city limits before you estimate. Some homes with a San Mateo mailing address are outside the city, and the city tax does not apply to them.

A worked example

For a home in the city that sells for $1,500,000, with no loan taken over by the buyer:

County tax: $1,500,000 ÷ 1,000 × $1.10 = $1,650
City tax: $1,500,000 × 0.5% = $7,500
Both together: $9,150

This is only arithmetic on the published rates. Your escrow officer figures the exact amounts.

Other costs sellers usually see

Loan payoff. Your mortgage and any home equity line are paid from the sale proceeds. Ask your lender for a payoff statement.
Real estate commission. Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. Agree on the amount in writing before you list.
Escrow and title fees. These cover closing the sale and insuring the title. How they are split depends on the contract and local custom.
Reports and disclosures. For example, a natural hazard disclosure report and any inspections you choose to order. See our guide to seller disclosures.
Property tax and HOA dues. These are usually split between buyer and seller as of the closing date.
Repairs or credits. Buyers may ask for these after inspections.

California withholding at closing

The California Franchise Tax Board requires withholding on many real estate sales. Escrow withholds part of the proceeds and sends it to the state, and it counts toward your state income tax. There are exemptions, including some sales of a principal residence. The seller fills out Form 593 to claim one. Read the Franchise Tax Board's real estate withholding page, or ask your tax advisor, before closing.

Federal taxes to ask about

The IRS lets many owners exclude up to $250,000 of gain on the sale of a main home, or up to $500,000 for most married couples filing jointly, if they meet the ownership and use tests in Tax Topic 701. Sellers who are foreign persons may have federal withholding under FIRPTA, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. These rules have details and exceptions, so confirm them with a tax professional.

How to estimate your net proceeds

Start with a realistic sale price from a written estimate based on recent San Mateo sales.
Subtract your loan payoffs.
Subtract the county and city transfer taxes, if your contract makes you pay them.
Subtract the commission, escrow and title fees, and any repairs or credits.
Set aside money for any withholding, and for taxes on your gain.

Your agent and escrow officer can give you a seller's net sheet, which is an estimate of what you will receive at closing, before you sign a contract.

Thinking about selling? Ask for a free home value estimate. A licensed San Mateo agent replies by email, and there is no obligation.

Sources

Laws and amounts change. Check the sources above, and talk to an attorney or tax advisor about your own situation.