Closing costs in Iowa
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Iowa — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Iowa's actual rates.
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified. This figure is a knowledge estimate we have not yet confirmed against the official source, so this page is not indexed. Treat it as a rough guide only and verify with the state revenue department or county recorder.
- Transfer tax
- 0.16%
- customarily seller-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$20
- charged per page of the document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$3.50 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
Iowa in the national transfer-tax dataset
0.16%, #26 of 51 nationally, matching the median at $400,000. The comparison uses the 51 source-verified state and DC records in the TallyClose dataset; null transfer-tax states count as 0% rather than being filled with an estimate.
- National rank
- #26 of 51
- highest state transfer-tax rate first
- Median-state tax at $400,000
- $640
- Iowa: $640
- County coverage
- 1
- 0 with a city-tax field
Iowa transfer-tax data: official source linked on this page, review date not provided.
How closing costs work in Iowa
The biggest closing-cost variable in Iowa is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.16% and is customarily seller-paid. Iowa's real estate transfer tax is $1.60 per $1,000 of value (0.16%) on the amount exceeding $500; seller pays. Recording fee is approximately $20: $7 for the first page + $5 per additional page + $5 county auditor certification.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $640 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are charged per page of the document and run around $20 for the deed.
For title insurance, Iowa title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Iowa does not require an attorney at closing — a title or escrow company typically handles settlement, though you can hire an attorney if you want one. Lenders here typically charge $1,400–$3,200 in origination and processing fees, and 2 months of property-tax escrow is commonly collected at closing.
Statute: Iowa Code § 428A.1 (transfer tax). Official source ↗
Iowa closing cost calculator
Pre-set to Iowa. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
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Counties in Iowa
County and city taxes can change the total significantly. Open a county for its precise rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Iowa?
In Iowa, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (0.16%, customarily seller-paid), county recording fees (charged per page of the document, around $20), and title insurance. Iowa does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Iowa?
Iowa's real-estate transfer tax is 0.16% and is customarily seller-paid. Iowa's real estate transfer tax is $1.60 per $1,000 of value (0.16%) on the amount exceeding $500; seller pays. Recording fee is approximately $20: $7 for the first page + $5 per additional page + $5 county auditor certification.
Who pays closing costs in Iowa?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Iowa is customarily seller-paid. Buyers generally cover lender fees, the appraisal, lender's title insurance and prepaids; sellers generally cover the agent commission and, in most states, the bulk of the transfer tax. Everything is negotiable in the contract.
Do I need an attorney to close in Iowa?
No. Iowa does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company typically handles settlement. You may still choose to hire one.
Closest transfer-tax comparisons
Algorithmic neighbors by verified transfer-tax rate, not a static related-links block.
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