How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a Home on Staten Island in 2026?
Real numbers, real Staten Island contracts, no fluff. Plus the calculator that shows your exact total before you write the offer.
How much are closing costs when buying a home on Staten Island in 2026?
Buyer-side closing costs on Staten Island typically run 3%–5% of the purchase price for financed homes in the $500K–$1M band — and 5%–6% once you cross the $1M mansion-tax threshold. On a $750K detached single-family in Eltingville with 20% down, expect roughly $22,500–$30,000 in total closing costs. On a $1.2M Todt Hill home, the mansion tax alone adds $12,000 on top of normal costs, pushing total buyer cash needed at the table closer to $50,000–$60,000 plus the down payment.
Run the exact number for your scenario using the NYC Closing Cost Calculator. The tool ingests purchase price, loan amount, and property type, then returns a line-itemized total that mirrors what you will see on the ALTA settlement statement at closing.
What is every line item on a Staten Island buyer’s closing statement?
| Line Item | What It Is | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage Origination | Lender’s fee to underwrite and fund the loan | 0.5%–1% of loan |
| Mortgage Recording Tax (NYC) | State + city tax on recording the mortgage lien | 1.8%–1.925% of loan |
| Mansion Tax | NY State tax on residential purchases over $1M | 1%–3.9% of price |
| Title Insurance (Owner’s + Lender’s) | Protects against title defects | ~0.4%–0.5% of price |
| Attorney Fees | Buyer’s real estate attorney | $1,800–$2,500 flat |
| Bank/Title Closer Fees | Recording, processing, courier | $500–$1,200 |
| Prepaid Taxes & Insurance | Escrow reserves at closing | 2–6 months |
| Inspection Fees | Pre-contract inspection | $500–$900 |
| Appraisal | Lender-required valuation | $550–$750 |
What is the mansion tax on Staten Island and when does it apply?
The New York mansion tax applies to any residential purchase of $1,000,000 or more, and the buyer pays it at closing. It starts at 1% and scales: 1.25% at $2M, 1.5% at $3M, 2.25% at $5M, 2.5% at $10M, 2.9% at $15M, 3.25% at $20M, and 3.9% above $25M. On Staten Island this most often hits Todt Hill, Grymes Hill, Annadale waterfront, and select Tottenville and Pleasant Plains custom homes. Plan for it the moment your offer crosses $1M.
Do I have to pay NYC mortgage recording tax on Staten Island?
Yes, if you finance the purchase. NYC mortgage recording tax is 1.8% on loans under $500,000 and 1.925% on loans of $500,000 or more. On a $600,000 mortgage that is roughly $11,550. The lender pays a small statutory portion (0.25% on loans under $500K). The buyer pays the rest. If you pay all cash there is no mortgage recording tax. Some Bridge and Boro buyers structure CEMA assignments to inherit the seller’s existing mortgage and avoid paying recording tax on the entire new amount — Joe will flag whether your deal qualifies.
Can I negotiate any of my Staten Island closing costs?
Some, not all. Transfer taxes, mansion tax, and mortgage recording tax are statutory and fixed by Albany. Title insurance can occasionally be reissued at a discount when the seller has a recent owner’s policy. Lender fees vary by 5x across NYC banks and brokers — shop at least three lenders and use the loan estimate to negotiate origination, processing, and underwriting fees. Attorney fees are usually flat in Richmond County. Some sellers will agree to credit closing costs back to the buyer in exchange for a higher purchase price; Joe negotiates this regularly inside the contract.
How do first-time Staten Island buyers cover closing costs?
Several New York and federal programs help first-time buyers cover Staten Island closing costs — SONYMA, HomeFirst, HUD Good Neighbor, NYC HDC, and SHIP. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and whether the home is in a target area. Read the full breakdown in What First-Time Buyer Grants Can I Get on Staten Island in 2026? and use the First-Time Buyer Grant Calculator to see what you qualify for.
What about Brooklyn? Are closing costs the same?
Mostly the same statutory items, with one big exception: Brooklyn co-op closings have a different fee stack because there is no mortgage recording tax on co-op share loans. Read the companion piece: How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a Home in Brooklyn in 2026?
Run Your Exact Staten Island Closing Costs in 60 Seconds
Skip the spreadsheet. The NYC Closing Cost Calculator gives you a line-itemized total before you write the offer.
Related: VA Home Loans on Staten Island
If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member buying on Staten Island, the VA loan changes everything in this article — 0% down, no PMI, and a 2026 Richmond County VA loan limit of $1,089,300 that fully covers the Staten Island median. Read the full VA Home Loans Staten Island Guide for 2026 and see why VA buyers in Staten Island and Brooklyn work with Joseph Ranola.
