If you're buying or selling a home in California's East Bay, especially in cities like Oakland, Berkeley, or San Francisco, you've probably heard the term "city transfer tax." But what exactly is it—and will you be on the hook for it?

I’m Brendan Moran with the 5 Star Team, and at Ask Brendan, we break down complex real estate questions so you know exactly what to expect in your transaction. Let’s dive into this common—and expensive—fee.

What Is a City Transfer Tax?

A city transfer tax is a fee charged by some California cities when a property changes ownership. In plain terms, it’s the city’s way of collecting money whenever a home is sold. This isn’t a small fee either—depending on where you’re buying or selling, it can add thousands of dollars to your closing costs.

The fee is calculated based on the purchase price of the home. For example:

• In Oakland, the city transfer tax is $15 per $1,000 of the purchase price.

  • That means on a $1 million home, you're paying $15,000 in city transfer tax.

• In Albany and Emeryville, it’s $12 per $1,000.

Now multiply that by the skyrocketing prices in some parts of the East Bay, and you see how quickly it adds up.

Do You Have to Pay It?

Here’s the good news: in most cases, the buyer and seller split the cost of the city transfer tax. However, it depends on the specific city and the terms of your purchase agreement. In highly competitive markets like Berkeley or San Francisco, it’s not uncommon for the buyer to take on the full cost as part of a stronger offer.

On the flip side, if you’re buying a home in a city like Walnut Creek—or many areas of Contra Costa County—you might not have to worry about this at all. Cities like Walnut Creek do not charge a city transfer tax, which helps reduce your overall closing costs.

Which Cities in the East Bay Have a City Transfer Tax?

Here’s a quick look at some East Bay cities and their transfer tax rates:

CityTransfer Tax RateOakland$15 per $1,000Berkeley$15 per $1,000Albany$12 per $1,000Emeryville$12 per $1,000AlamedaVaries by tierWalnut CreekNo city transfer taxConcordNo city transfer taxPleasant HillNo city transfer tax

These rates may change, so it’s always a good idea to check with a local real estate expert before making any assumptions.

Why This Matters When Buying or Selling

If you’re buying a home in the East Bay, especially near the coast or in older cities, you need to factor transfer taxes into your total costs. This is just one of many fees that can sneak up on you during a real estate transaction.

Working with an experienced Walnut Creek real estate agent—like our team at 5 Star—can help you understand all the numbers before you make an offer or list your home.

Get the Full Picture Before You Buy or Sell

Buying or selling a home in California is already a big financial decision. The last thing you want is to be surprised by hidden fees. At Ask Brendan, we help you understand all the costs upfront—no guesswork, no pressure.

Want to know exactly what you’ll pay in city transfer tax or other closing costs? Just message us. We’re here to help you make smart, informed real estate decisions in Walnut Creek and beyond.