Closing Costs in South Carolina (2026)

Buyers in South Carolina typically pay 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs — roughly $8,072 to $20,180 on a median-priced home around $403,600. Our itemized estimate, including lender fees, title work, government fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance, comes to about $14,324 (3.5% of the price) with 20% down at 6.75%.

The effective property tax rate in South Carolina is approximately 0.56% of home value per year. On a median-priced home of $403,600, that works out to about $2,260 per year, or $188 per month. Several months of taxes are usually collected up front at closing to fund your escrow account.

Yes. South Carolina deed recording fee is customarily paid by the seller. At that rate on a $403,600 home, the tax is roughly $1,493 — and in this state the buyer does not customarily pay it, so it is not included in our buyer-side estimate. Everything is negotiable in the purchase contract.

The 2026 conforming loan limit in South Carolina is $832,750 for a one-unit home — the national baseline. No counties in this state are designated high-cost for 2026. On a median-priced $403,600 home with 20% down, the loan is $322,880, so a typical purchase stays conforming. FHA limits also vary by county (2026 floor about $541,288).

With 20% down on a $403,600 home, plan for about $95,044 in total: $80,720 for the down payment plus roughly $14,324 in closing costs and prepaid items. A smaller down payment reduces the cash needed but adds PMI to your monthly payment.

On a median-priced $403,600 home with 20% down and a 30-year loan at 6.75%, the total monthly payment is about $2,574 — $2,094 in principal and interest, $188 in property taxes, and $292 in homeowners insurance.