State guide · CA
Closing costs in California
On a median-priced California home ($790,000), buyers typically bring $15,800–$39,500 to the closing table beyond the down payment — with California's transfer tax and its escrow closing convention shaping where you land in that range.
Typical buyer costs
$15,800–$39,500
Transfer tax
0.11%
Closing style
escrow
What's inside the number: lender fees and any points (the part you can shop hardest), prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance, title search and title insurance, recording fees, and the transfer tax. California runs escrow closings: escrow state: an escrow company manages the closing; attorneys are rare in residential deals.
California's transfer tax alone is roughly $869 on a median home — customarily paid by seller in most counties, buyer in some — local custom. Details and local add-ons are on our California transfer tax page.
The most effective ways to shrink the bill: shop three or more lenders and compare Section A of their Loan Estimates (see how to choose a lender), ask the seller for a closing credit as part of your offer, and shop the title agency where your state allows it. Line-item what to expect with the closing cost estimator.
Common questions
How much are closing costs in California?
Buyers typically pay 2-5% of the purchase price — about $15,800 to $39,500 on a median-priced California home ($790,000). The biggest swings come from lender fees and points, prepaid taxes and insurance, the transfer tax, and title costs.
Do I need an attorney to close on a home in California?
Not required. Escrow state: an escrow company manages the closing; attorneys are rare in residential deals. Hiring your own attorney is still a reasonable choice for unusual deals — estates, FSBOs, or anything contested.
Who pays the transfer tax in California?
Seller in most counties, buyer in some — local custom. Documentary transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000 (0.11%) statewide — but many cities add their own (San Francisco and Los Angeles run multiples higher on large sales). Custom controls the default, but the purchase contract can move it — it's a negotiable line like everything else at the table.
Estimate your California closing costs
A line-item estimate — lender fees, title and escrow, prepaids — so the number on closing day doesn't surprise you.
Open the closing cost estimatorRanges apply the typical national 2–5% of purchase price to California's approximate median home value — a planning estimate, not a quote. Lender fees depend on your loan; your official Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the real numbers.