Colorado's ski resort towns impose their own Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) on property sales, on top of the state and county documentary fee. These local RETTs — ranging from 1% to 3% — often catch buyers and sellers by surprise, since they're not common in most Colorado markets. Proceeds typically fund affordable housing or environmental initiatives.
Colorado's STATE transfer tax ($0.01 per $100 = 0.01%) is nearly negligible. The mountain town local RETTs are 100–300× higher and the real closing cost impact.
Some Colorado mountain towns have BOTH a town RETT and a county RETT — always verify the specific parcel's jurisdiction before closing.
Snowmass Village (adjacent to Aspen) has its own 1% RETT — note that Pitkin County's 1.5% and Aspen's rate may not apply within Snowmass Village town limits.
RETTs in mountain towns are often used for deed-restricted affordable housing programs — some towns allow RETT credits or exemptions for buyers of deed-restricted units.
On a $3,000,000 Telluride purchase, the 3% RETT = $90,000 to the buyer — this rivals the agent commission as a cost item.
No. Many Colorado mountain towns have a Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT), but not all. Major ones include Aspen/Pitkin County (1.5%), Telluride/San Miguel (3.0%), Vail (1.0%), Breckenridge (1.0%), Crested Butte (3.0%), Avon (2.0%), Frisco (1.0%), and Winter Park (1.0%). Towns like Steamboat Springs and Durango do not have a local RETT as of 2026.
In most Colorado mountain towns, the RETT is paid by the buyer. However, local practice and contract terms can vary — always confirm with your closing company.
Mountain town RETTs are most commonly earmarked for affordable housing programs (allowing local workers to buy homes) and environmental or open-space preservation funds. Telluride's 3% RETT is one of the most aggressive examples, funding a housing program for year-round residents.
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