Georgia Closing Costs (2026)
Last updated: March 2026
Typical closing costs
$3,500–$9,000
Median home price
$360,000
Georgia is an attorney state — a licensed Georgia attorney must supervise the closing. Georgia's main distinguishing closing cost is the intangible recording tax: $1.50 per $500 of loan amount (0.3%), paid by the buyer. The state real estate transfer tax is very low at $1 per $1,000 (seller). Georgia uses a security deed rather than a mortgage, and the PT-61 eFiling form must be submitted electronically before recording the deed. Title insurance rates are negotiated individually (file-and-use state).
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Georgia closing cost breakdown
Typical ranges for a home purchase in Georgia. Exact amounts depend on purchase price, county, and lender.
| Fee |
|---|
| Intangible recording tax |
| Real estate transfer tax |
| Attorney fee |
| Owner's title insurance |
| Lender's title insurance (simultaneous issue) |
| Recording fees |
| HOA transfer / resale certificate (if HOA) |
| PT-61 eFiling fee |
| Lender origination fee |
| Homeowners insurance prepaid |
Georgia's intangible recording tax (0.3% of loan amount) is the largest fixed buyer cost and is non-negotiable. Title insurance rates and lender origination fees are the most negotiable items on a Georgia Closing Disclosure.
Georgia fee-by-fee benchmarks
Origination Fee
Negotiable · Section A
Processing Fee
Negotiable · Section A
Underwriting Fee
Negotiable · Section A
Title Insurance
Negotiable · Section C
Appraisal Fee
Non-negotiable · Section B
Recording Fee
Non-negotiable · Section E
Transfer Tax
Non-negotiable · Section E
Attorney Fee
Negotiable · Section C
Courier Fee
Negotiable · Section H
Credit Report Fee
Non-negotiable · Section B
Flood Certification Fee
Non-negotiable · Section B
Tax Service Fee
Non-negotiable · Section B
Wire Transfer Fee
Negotiable · Section H
Document Preparation Fee
Negotiable · Section A
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What Georgia buyers need to know
Georgia is an attorney state — a licensed Georgia attorney must supervise the closing. Attorney fees are typically paid by the buyer and run $500–$1,500 as a flat fee, depending on the attorney and market. Metro Atlanta attorneys are at the higher end; rural Georgia attorneys at the lower end. Unlike some other attorney states, Georgia attorneys tend to represent one side (usually buyer or lender) rather than serving as neutral settlement agents.
The Georgia intangible recording tax applies to the security deed (Georgia's instrument for securing a mortgage loan) at $1.50 per $500 of the loan amount — equivalent to $3.00 per $1,000 or 0.3%. On a $300,000 loan, that's $900; on a $400,000 loan, $1,200. Maximum tax is $25,000. The buyer/borrower pays. This tax is non-negotiable and applies to all new purchase-money mortgages on residential property.
Georgia uses a security deed (deed to secure debt) rather than a mortgage or deed of trust. The practical difference for buyers is mainly that the intangible recording tax applies to this instrument. Functionally, the closing process is similar to other states; the attorney handles preparation of the security deed and supervises execution.
Georgia title insurance rates are negotiated — Georgia is a file-and-use state, and different title companies charge different rates. Major insurers typically charge $3.65/$1,000 for owner's policies on properties between $100,000 and $500,000. Unlike Texas, Florida, or Ohio, where rates are fixed, Georgia buyers can and should compare title insurance quotes from different companies.
The PT-61 eFiling form must be filed electronically through the Georgia IDOR portal before recording the deed — deeds cannot be recorded without it. The filing fee is approximately $8. This is handled by the closing attorney and is not a cost you need to manage separately.
Georgia closing cost questions
How much are closing costs in Georgia?
Georgia buyer closing costs typically run $3,500–$9,000 depending on purchase price, loan amount, and lender. The main fixed costs are the intangible recording tax (0.3% of loan amount — $900 on a $300K loan), attorney fee ($500–$1,500), and title insurance. Georgia has no buyer-paid transfer tax, which keeps costs lower than many states.
What is Georgia's intangible recording tax?
Georgia's intangible recording tax is $1.50 per $500 of the loan amount (0.3%), paid by the buyer/borrower and applied to the security deed. On a $300,000 loan, the tax is $900; on a $400,000 loan, $1,200. The maximum is $25,000. It applies to new purchase-money mortgages and most refinances. It is a state tax and cannot be negotiated.
Does Georgia require an attorney at closing?
Yes. Georgia is an attorney state — a licensed Georgia attorney must supervise the real estate closing. The closing attorney typically represents the buyer or the lender (not both as a neutral). Attorney fees run $500–$1,500 flat and are customarily paid by the buyer. You can and should shop closing attorneys for the best combination of price and service.
What is a security deed in Georgia?
A security deed (deed to secure debt) is Georgia's instrument for securing a mortgage loan, used instead of a traditional mortgage or deed of trust. The borrower transfers title to the lender as security, with a right to reconveyance upon payoff. The practical impact for buyers is mostly administrative — it's handled by the closing attorney. The intangible recording tax applies to this instrument.
Are Georgia title insurance rates negotiable?
Yes. Georgia is a file-and-use state, meaning title companies file their rates with the state Insurance Commissioner but are not required to charge identical rates. Major insurers typically charge around $3.65/$1,000 for owner's policies on $100K–$500K coverage, but rates vary. Get quotes from at least two title companies before closing — the savings can be $200–$500.
What is the PT-61 form in Georgia?
The PT-61 (Real Estate Transfer Tax form) must be filed electronically through the Georgia Department of Revenue portal before recording a deed. The closing attorney handles this. The filing fee is approximately $8, paid by the seller. Deeds cannot be recorded at the county courthouse without a PT-61 confirmation number from the IDOR portal.
How Georgia closing costs compare
Georgia closing costs are moderate compared to the national average — the absence of a transfer tax comparable to other states and reasonable attorney fees keep total costs manageable. The intangible recording tax (0.3% of loan amount) is the main differentiator from no-mortgage-tax states like Texas or the Carolinas.
Compared to neighboring states: Florida has higher doc stamp taxes and an intangible tax (0.2% of loan amount), plus no attorney required. South Carolina has an affordable deed stamp ($0.37/$100) and no mortgage tax, but attorney required. North Carolina has a low excise tax and no mortgage tax, attorney required — making it one of the most affordable attorney states. Tennessee has no transfer tax and no mortgage tax, very low costs overall.
Within Georgia, metro Atlanta closing costs are higher due to above-average home prices (median $385K–$411K in Atlanta metro vs. ~$360K statewide) and attorney fees at the higher end of the range. The intangible recording tax scales with loan amount, so larger Atlanta-area purchases carry proportionally higher tax costs. Rural Georgia markets are among the most affordable in the Southeast.
First-time homebuyer closing costs in Georgia
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program (administered by GDCA) offers first-time buyers below-market rate 30-year mortgages and down payment assistance loans of $10,000 (or $12,500 for certain professionals and borrowers in targeted areas). The assistance can be used for down payment and closing costs and is a 0% interest second mortgage deferred until sale, refinance, or payoff.
Georgia Dream also offers the Choice, PEN, and CHOICE programs with higher assistance amounts ($10,000–$12,500) for specific buyer categories including military, public protectors, educators, and healthcare workers. Check gadreamhomeownership.com for current program details and income limits.
The intangible recording tax is non-negotiable, but sellers can offer concessions to offset your other closing costs. In a balanced market, requesting $3,000–$5,000 in seller concessions toward closing costs is common in Georgia — this can cover much of your attorney fee, title insurance, and lender origination costs.
Georgia title insurance rates are negotiable, unlike most states. Before closing, get competing quotes from at least two title companies. The difference between the highest and lowest quotes can be $200–$500 on a typical Georgia transaction — worth the 30 minutes of calls.
Closing costs in nearby states
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Most Georgiabuyers find $1,500–$3,000 in negotiable fees.
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