When Are Los Angeles Property Taxes Due?
Property taxes in Los Angeles are billed annually, with the first part due by November 1 and the second part due on February 1.
What Do Property Taxes Pay For in Los Angeles?
Local property taxes in Los Angeles pay for important local services, including:
- Public schools
- Police, fire, and EMS services
- Roads, streets, and traffic signals
- Parks, libraries, and community centers
- City and county government operations
- Infrastructure like water, sewer, and trash services
- Repayment of local bond projects (such as transit and school improvements)
Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?
Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.
What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Los Angeles?
How Much House Can You Afford?
Affordability in Los Angeles depends on your income, debt, credit score, and mortgage rate. With a median household income of around $86,499 in the City of Angels, a buyer might afford a home in the $290,000-$310,000 range using standard debt-to-income guidelines. However, with the Los Angeles median home price coming in at around $785,000, many buyers need dual incomes or additional savings to qualify.
Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debts, and current rates.
What Down Payment Will You Need in Los Angeles?
According to ATTOM, the average down payment on a house in Los Angeles is 21.1%. However, down payment amounts vary widely depending on loan type and credit score. While 20% used to be the expected standard, many buyers put down between 5% and 15%, with 3% options available for FHA and some conventional first-time buyer loans.
For a $785,000 home, here’s what your down payment could look like:
- 3% down = $23,550
- 5% down = $39,250
- 10% down = $78,500
- 15% down = $117,750
- 20% down = $157,000
Try HomeLight’s Down Payment Calculator to see how different down payments affect your monthly payment and loan size.
How Much Are Closing Costs in Los Angeles?
Buyers in Los Angeles can expect to pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These may include:
- Loan origination and underwriting fees
- Title insurance and escrow fees
- Appraisal and inspection costs
- Prepaid property taxes and homeowners’ insurance
- Filing and recording fees
A $785,000 home means estimated closing costs of $15,700 to $39,250. Use HomeLight’s Closing Costs Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your expected Los Angeles home purchase price.
How To Find a Trusted Los Angeles Real Estate Agent
An experienced Los Angeles agent can help you understand local tax rates, school districts, and development trends — and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.
HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses data from over 27 million transactions and thousands of verified reviews to match you with top Los Angeles agents based on real performance, not paid ads.
Tell us a little about your buying plans and get matched today with no obligation.