Closing costs in Virginia
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Virginia — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Virginia's actual rates.
- Transfer tax
- 0.25%
- customarily split-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$35
- a flat fee per document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$4.00 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
How closing costs work in Virginia
The biggest closing-cost variable in Virginia is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.25% and is customarily split-paid. Virginia splits its transfer taxes: the SELLER pays the state grantor tax of $0.50 per $500 (0.10%) plus a regional WMATA tax in Northern Virginia/Hampton Roads, while the BUYER pays the state recordation tax of $2.50 per $1,000 (0.25%) plus a local recordation tax (typically 1/3 of the state amount). Combined, the buyer's and seller's transfer costs each land near 0.2%–0.35%.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $1,000 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are a flat fee per document and run around $35 for the deed.
For title insurance, Virginia title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Virginia 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 $1,500–$3,200 in origination and processing fees, and 2 months of property-tax escrow is commonly collected at closing.
Statute: Va. Code § 58.1-801 et seq. (recordation & grantor taxes). Official source ↗
Virginia closing cost calculator
Pre-set to Virginia. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
Estimated closing costs
$8,984
≈ 2.25% of the home price · excludes your down payment
Cash to close
$88,984
incl. down payment
Line-by-line breakdown
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Virginia?
In Virginia, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (0.25%, customarily split-paid), county recording fees (a flat fee per document, around $35), and title insurance. Virginia does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Virginia?
Virginia's real-estate transfer tax is 0.25% and is customarily split-paid. Virginia splits its transfer taxes: the SELLER pays the state grantor tax of $0.50 per $500 (0.10%) plus a regional WMATA tax in Northern Virginia/Hampton Roads, while the BUYER pays the state recordation tax of $2.50 per $1,000 (0.25%) plus a local recordation tax (typically 1/3 of the state amount). Combined, the buyer's and seller's transfer costs each land near 0.2%–0.35%.
Who pays closing costs in Virginia?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Virginia is customarily split-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 Virginia?
No. Virginia 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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