Closing costs in Michigan
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Michigan — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Michigan's actual rates.
- Transfer tax
- 0.86%
- customarily seller-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$30
- a flat fee per document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$5.00 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
Michigan in the national transfer-tax dataset
0.86%, #6 of 51 nationally; at $400,000, that is $2,800 above the median $640 tax 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
- #6 of 51
- highest state transfer-tax rate first
- Median-state tax at $400,000
- $640
- Michigan: $3,440
- County coverage
- 7
- 0 with a city-tax field
Michigan transfer-tax data: official source linked on this page, reviewed 2026-Q2.
How closing costs work in Michigan
The biggest closing-cost variable in Michigan is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.86% and is customarily seller-paid. Michigan's state real estate transfer tax is $3.75 per $500 of value (0.75%), plus a county transfer tax of $0.55 per $500 (0.11%), for a combined 0.86% paid by the seller.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $3,440 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are a flat fee per document and run around $30 for the deed.
For title insurance, Michigan title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Michigan 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: MCL § 207.523 (state transfer tax); MCL § 207.505 (county transfer tax). Official source ↗
Michigan closing cost calculator
Pre-set to Michigan. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
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Counties in Michigan
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 Michigan?
In Michigan, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (0.86%, customarily seller-paid), county recording fees (a flat fee per document, around $30), and title insurance. Michigan does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Michigan?
Michigan's real-estate transfer tax is 0.86% and is customarily seller-paid. Michigan's state real estate transfer tax is $3.75 per $500 of value (0.75%), plus a county transfer tax of $0.55 per $500 (0.11%), for a combined 0.86% paid by the seller.
Who pays closing costs in Michigan?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Michigan 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 Michigan?
No. Michigan 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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