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The Daily Insight

Is transfer tax on property based on selling price?

Author

James Williams

Published Mar 23, 2026

A property’s transfer tax rate is based on the sale price of the property and its classification, whether it is residential, industrial, or commercial property. The transferring property owner is usually responsible for paying the transfer tax.

Does seller always pay transfer taxes?

The rules of real estate transfer taxes vary by location. In many areas, the seller is responsible for payment, but in others, transfer taxes aren’t levied at all.

Local transfer tax is 0.50% for properties located in provinces, and 0.75% for properties located in cities and municipalities in Manila. Documentary stamp tax is around 1.5% and it is levied on the selling price or fair market value of the property, whichever higher.

How do you transfer a property from one person to another?

In order to transfer a property into one person’s name, you will need to complete a ‘Transfer of Whole of Registered Title’ form and send it to HM Land Registry, along with the correct fee and identity verification forms. In some cases, there may also be Stamp Duty Land Tax to pay.

How much does it cost to transfer title to a home?

The cost of transferring title depends on the method used and if you hire a professional to help. The transfer tax or fee you pay to the county or state is typically dependent on the value of the home and the pages in the document, but it relatively minimal.

How long does it take to transfer ownership of a house?

As long as you live for seven years following the transfer, the property will not be considered as part of your Estate. Or you might have different motivation – for example, you might want to help your children by providing them with their inheritance early.

Can a family member transfer ownership of a property?

It is possible to transfer the ownership of a property to a family member by way of gift, meaning no money exchanges hands. This differs to a Transfer of Equity, where the owner remains on the title and simply adds someone else to it.