If you’re a New York City resident buying a second home in Connecticut (especially in Fairfield County towns like Greenwich, Darien, or Westport), the closing process will look different than what you’re used to. From attorney involvement to timeline expectations, here’s what sets Connecticut closings apart and how to prepare.
How is the real estate closing process different in Connecticut compared to New York?
In New York, most closings are driven by attorneys on both sides and heavily involve title companies. In Connecticut, the buyer’s attorney plays a more central role and often handles many of the functions that title companies manage in other states.
Here’s what makes Connecticut closings different:
- Attorney-led closings: Connecticut law requires buyers to hire a licensed real estate attorney to conduct the title search, prepare closing documents, and disburse funds. There is no separate title company.
- Standardized contracts: Connecticut tends to use standard contract templates with built-in inspection, financing, and title contingencies, which may differ from custom or broker-drafted contracts in NYC.
- Municipal checks: CT attorneys typically check for open building permits, unpaid water/sewer bills, and other town-level issues during the title process. These aren’t always caught in NYC transactions.
Do I need a Connecticut real estate attorney?
Yes. In Connecticut, it’s not optional. You are legally required to have a Connecticut attorney oversee your purchase.
Your attorney will:
- Perform a title search
- Review the purchase contract
- Prepare and record the deed
- Coordinate the closing date and funds
- Ensure municipal compliance (open permits, back taxes, etc.)
- Serve as the settlement agent to disburse funds and issue the title insurance policy
Out-of-state attorneys (including New York lawyers) cannot substitute for a Connecticut real estate attorney when it comes to conducting a closing. Even if you already have legal counsel in NYC, you’ll still need someone admitted to practice law in Connecticut for the actual transaction.
Can I close remotely if I’m not in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not allow fully remote closings for residential real estate, even if you're buying with a mortgage. That’s because key documents, like deeds and mortgages, must be notarized in person under state law. If you're out of state, your attorney can coordinate a mail-away closing or use a power of attorney to complete the transaction on your behalf.
Read our full breakdown of remote and out-of-state closings in Connecticut.
What else should I know about the closing process in Connecticut?
If you’re used to buying in New York, or even just familiar with NYC real estate, here are a few key differences to expect when closing on a second home in Connecticut:
- Closing costs may be lower: While both states include standard fees like attorney costs and title insurance, buyers in New York City often face extra charges such as mortgage recording taxes and, in many cases, a mansion tax. Connecticut has its own version of a mansion tax, called a conveyance tax surcharge, but it only applies to properties over $2.5 million and is generally less than what you’d pay in NYC. Your attorney can help compare the numbers.
- Closings tend to move faster: Without the need for co-op board approvals, condo questionnaires, or as many third-party intermediaries, most single-family home purchases in Connecticut are able to close within 60 days. Some deals can happen even faster with a cash buyer or organized transaction.
- Property tax billing varies by town: In NYC, tax bills follow a fixed schedule based on assessed value. In Connecticut, each town sets its own billing calendar. Some towns bill semi-annually, while others bill quarterly. At closing, your attorney will prorate your share of the taxes so that you only pay for the portion of the year you own the property.
Final Thoughts
Closing on a second home in Connecticut is a rewarding milestone, but the process differs in important ways from what New York buyers might expect. The good news? With a local real estate attorney guiding you, most closings are faster and more straightforward.
If you’re thinking about buying in Fairfield County, Pederson Real Estate Law can help. Attorney Charlene Pederson has more than 30 years of experience helping Connecticut homebuyers navigate real estate disputes and closings. To schedule a consultation, contact her at charlene@pedersonlawct.com or 203-900-4371. We proudly serve Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Norwalk, and beyond.
