How to calculate the purchase tax on second-hand houses
In recent years, with the fluctuations in the real estate market, second-hand housing transactions have become the first choice for many home buyers. However, many people are confused by the taxes and fees involved in purchasing second-hand houses. This article will explain in detail the calculation method of second-hand house purchase tax, and attach structured data to help you clearly understand the relevant fees.
1. Main components of second-hand house purchase tax

In second-hand housing transactions, the taxes that the buyer needs to bear mainly include deed tax, personal income tax, value-added tax, etc. The following is a detailed description of each tax:
| Tax type | tax rate | Calculate base | Applicable conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed tax | 1%-3% | House transaction price or appraised price | Depending on the area of the house and whether the buyer is the first home owner |
| personal income tax | 1% or 20% difference | House transaction price or difference | The seller is exempt from the tax if he has held the house for more than 5 years and is his only residence. |
| value added tax | 5.3% | House balance | You need to pay if you hold the house for less than 2 years |
2. Specific calculation method of deed tax
Deed tax is a tax that buyers must pay in second-hand housing transactions. The tax rate varies depending on the area of the house and whether the buyer is the first home owner:
| House area | First home tax rate | Second house tax rate |
|---|---|---|
| Below 90 square meters | 1% | 3% |
| 90-144 square meters | 1.5% | 3% |
| 144 square meters or more | 3% | 3% |
For example, if you purchase a first-time home with an area of 100 square meters and a total price of 2 million yuan, the deed tax is: 2 million × 1.5% = 30,000 yuan.
3. Calculation method of personal income tax
There are two ways to calculate personal income tax:
If the seller has held the house for five years and it is the family's only home, personal income tax is exempted.
4. Application of value-added tax
Value-added tax mainly applies to houses held for less than 2 years, and the tax rate is 5.3% (including surcharge). The calculation formula is:
Value-added tax = (transaction price - original purchase cost) × 5.3%
If the house is held for more than 2 years, the VAT is exempted.
5. Other expenses
In addition to the main taxes and fees mentioned above, second-hand housing transactions may also involve the following fees:
| Fee type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| agency fee | 1%-2% | According to the charging standard of the intermediary company |
| Appraisal fee | 0.1%-0.5% | Buying a house with a loan requires appraising the value of the house |
| registration fee | 80 yuan | Real estate registration fees |
6. Summary
The calculation of taxes and fees for purchasing a second-hand house involves many aspects, and the specific amount varies depending on the nature of the house, the holding period and local policies. Home buyers should fully understand relevant tax policies before making a transaction to avoid tax issues affecting the transaction progress. It is recommended to consult a professional intermediary or tax agency to ensure that the tax calculation is accurate.
Through the structured data display in this article, I believe you will have a clearer understanding of the calculation of second-hand house purchase tax. Properly plan your tax expenses to make your home buying journey smoother!
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