Closing costs in South Carolina
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in South Carolina — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses South Carolina'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
- 0.37%
- customarily seller-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$15
- a flat fee per document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$3.50 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
How closing costs work in South Carolina
The biggest closing-cost variable in South Carolina is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.37% and is customarily seller-paid. Deed recording fee $1.85 per $500 (0.37%); seller pays.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $1,480 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are a flat fee per document and run around $15 for the deed.
For title insurance, South Carolina title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. South Carolina 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: S.C. Code § 12-24-10.
South Carolina closing cost calculator
Pre-set to South Carolina. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
Estimated closing costs
$8,102
≈ 2.03% of the home price · excludes your down payment
Cash to close
$88,102
incl. down payment
Line-by-line breakdown
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (0.37%, customarily seller-paid), county recording fees (a flat fee per document, around $15), and title insurance. South Carolina does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina's real-estate transfer tax is 0.37% and is customarily seller-paid. Deed recording fee $1.85 per $500 (0.37%); seller pays.
Who pays closing costs in South Carolina?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company typically handles settlement. You may still choose to hire one.
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