Closing Costs in South Carolina (2026): What You'll Pay at the Table

What's Included in South Carolina Closing Costs

Breakdown on a $305,800 purchase with 6.4% rate

Estimates based on $305,800 purchase. Actual costs vary by lender, county, and loan type.

Closing Costs Calculator — South Carolina

Pre-loaded with South Carolina's transfer tax rate and median purchase price of $305,800

South Carolina Real Estate Transfer Tax

Transfer taxes are calculated on the sale price and paid at closing

Source: South Carolina revenue authority

Attorney at Closing: Required in South Carolina

Estimated Closing Costs by City in South Carolina

Based on each city's median price and South Carolina's closing cost rates

APR Calculator — True Cost of Your Loan

APR folds in closing costs so you can compare loans with different fee structures. Pre-loaded with South Carolina's median loan amount of $244,640 at 6.4%.

Should You Buy Points to Lower Your Rate?

Each point costs 1% of the loan ($2,446) and reduces your rate by roughly 0.25%. This calculator shows your break-even month.

How to Reduce Closing Costs in South Carolina

Mortgage Payment Calculator — South Carolina

After closing costs, here's what your monthly payment looks like on $305,800 in South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

What are average closing costs in South Carolina?

Closing costs in South Carolina average 2.60% of the purchase price. On the state median of $305,800, that's approximately $7,951. South Carolina ranks Near average — mandatory attorney but low home prices in most markets nationally. Source: ClosingCorp 2021 / Urban Institute 2025.

Does South Carolina have a real estate transfer tax?

Yes. Deed Recording Fee: $1.85 per $500 of consideration (0.37%). Paid by seller. Some counties may add nominal recording fees. On a $305,800 home, the transfer tax alone is $1,131.

Is an attorney required to close on a home in South Carolina?

Yes — South Carolina is an attorney-state. A licensed real estate attorney must be present at closing. Attorney fees average $800 in South Carolina. This is typically paid by the buyer.

What is title insurance and how much does it cost in South Carolina?

Title insurance protects the lender (and optionally you) against ownership disputes, liens, and title defects discovered after closing. In South Carolina, lender's title insurance averages $1,300. Owner's title insurance is separate and typically costs 0.5–1% of the purchase price. Unlike other insurance, it's a one-time premium paid at closing.

Can closing costs be rolled into the mortgage in South Carolina?

You cannot roll closing costs into a purchase mortgage — lenders fund only the home's purchase price. However, you can negotiate seller concessions (seller pays your closing costs), use a slightly higher rate in exchange for lender credits, or apply down payment assistance funds toward closing costs. On a $244,640 loan in South Carolina, 1 point of lender credit costs about $612/mo extra in payment.

When do I get the Closing Disclosure in South Carolina?

Federal law (TRID) requires your lender to provide the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. It shows final loan terms, monthly payment, and itemized closing costs. Compare it carefully to your Loan Estimate — lenders are limited in how much certain fees can change between the two documents.

What closing costs are tax-deductible in South Carolina?

Most closing costs are not deductible. Exceptions: prepaid mortgage interest (the interest accrued between closing and your first payment), and mortgage points paid to buy down your rate may be deductible in the year paid or amortized over the loan term. Property taxes prepaid at closing are deductible up to the $10,000 SALT cap. Consult a tax professional for South Carolina-specific guidance.