Starting values: $458,800, which is the New Hampshire median (10th of 51), 20% down and a 7.40% rate. Monthly cost: $3,207.81 ($2,541.31 loan, $558.17 property tax, $108.33 homeowners insurance). Put 5% down and add PMI and it rises to $3,865.91.
Homestead exemptions and property tax relief
There is no general homestead exemption. Towns may adopt exemptions for older residents, blind or disabled owners and veterans, and lower-income owners can claim a state Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief payment.
First-time buyer programs
New Hampshire Housing's Home Flex Plus adds $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 for down payment, closing costs and prepaids as a 0% second mortgage with no payments, repaid when you sell or refinance.
Transfer and recording taxes
The transfer tax is $0.75 per $100, charged separately to both buyer and seller. That is about $3,441 each on a $458,800 home, $6,882 in total, one of the highest buyer-side transfer taxes in the country.
Closing costs to plan for
The buyer's half of the transfer tax is often the single largest closing cost. Add attorney or title fees and lender charges.
When property tax bills are due
New Hampshire towns usually bill property tax twice a year, often around July and December, and the second, final bill sets the year's tax. Property tax is the main way New Hampshire funds schools and towns, which is why bills are high even though there is no wage income tax.
Before you buy in New Hampshire
If you think the assessment is too high, file an abatement application with the town by March 1 after a final bill mailed by December 31; the town must decide by July 1. If it denies the request, you can appeal to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals by September 1. The real estate transfer tax is $0.75 per $100, charged to both the buyer and the seller, so each side pays about $0.75 per $100 of price unless the contract says otherwise.
2026 loan limit in New Hampshire
FHFA 2026 one-unit conforming limits: Rockingham County and Strafford County have the top limit ($962,550); 2 of 10 counties exceed the baseline. So $367,040, the 80% loan on a median home, needs no jumbo financing.
New Hampshire numbers used above
| Measure | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (ACS 2024) | $458,800 | $360,600 |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.46% (4th highest) | 0.89% |
| Average HO-3 premium (NAIC 2023) | $1,300 | $1,737 |
| Median household income | $99,782 | $81,604 |
| Median gross rent | $1,558 | $1,487 |
| Income needed at 28% (20% down) | $137,478 | – |
Frequently asked questions
How do I appeal a New Hampshire property tax bill?
File an abatement application with the town by March 1, then appeal to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals by September 1 if needed.
Who pays New Hampshire's real estate transfer tax?
Both the buyer and the seller, at $0.75 per $100 each.
How often are New Hampshire property taxes billed?
Usually twice a year; the second bill sets the final tax for the year.
What is the median-home payment in New Hampshire?
About $3,207.81 a month on a $458,800 home with 20% down at 7.40%, including tax and insurance.
Sources
- NH BTLA, property tax appeals
- NH DRA, real estate transfer tax
- NH DRA, low and moderate income relief
- NH DRA, real estate transfer tax
- NH Housing mortgage programs
- FHFA, 2026 conforming loan limits
- Census ACS 2024 1-year (B25077, B25103, B19013, B25064); NAIC homeowners report (2023); Freddie Mac PMMS.
See also: all states · house affordability · New Hampshire paycheck