Georgia closing costs for investment property run 2.5–5% of the purchase price for buyers — higher than Texas or Ohio because Georgia is an attorney-closing state and charges a 0.3% intangible tax on new mortgages. On a $300,000 Atlanta purchase, expect roughly $10,000–$15,000 in buyer closing costs. Use the Georgia closing costs calculator to estimate every line item before making an offer.
What Makes Georgia Closing Costs Different
Three Georgia-specific factors set it apart from most other investor states:
1. Attorney required. Georgia is one of roughly 20 attorney-closing states. A licensed attorney must supervise the closing, review the title, and prepare closing documents. Budget $800–$1,500 for this. In Texas and Florida, a title company handles everything — no attorney fee.
2. Intangible tax on mortgages. Georgia charges $1.50 per $500 of new mortgage principal (0.3%). On a $225,000 loan, that is $675 at closing. This tax does not exist in Texas, Ohio, or most other states. Note: mortgages with terms of 62 months or less are exempt as of July 2025 (HB 586) — relevant for hard money and bridge loans. Source: Georgia Department of Revenue.
3. Low transfer tax. Georgia’s real estate transfer tax is only 0.1% ($1 per $1,000) — one of the lowest in the US. Florida charges 0.7% in doc stamps. This partially offsets the intangible tax.
Georgia Closing Costs: Full Breakdown
| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Paid By | Georgia-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney Fee | $800–$1,500 | Buyer | Required by law. Not negotiable. |
| Intangible Tax | 0.3% of loan | Buyer | $1.50 per $500. Exempt for loans ≤62 months. |
| Lender Origination | 0.5% of loan | Buyer | Varies by lender. |
| Appraisal | $400–$650 | Buyer | Required by lender. |
| Inspection | $300–$575 | Buyer | Termite inspection common in Georgia. |
| Title Insurance (Owner’s) | 0.5% of price | Buyer | Buyer typically pays in Georgia. |
| Lender Title Policy | 0.15% of loan | Buyer | Required by lender. |
| Recording Fee | $75–$200 | Buyer | Clerk of Superior Court. |
| Transfer Tax | 0.1% of price | Seller | $1 per $1,000. Lowest among major states. |
| Escrow Reserves | 2–3 months | Buyer | Taxes + insurance prepaid. |
| Credit Report | $30–$75 | Buyer |
Worked Example: Atlanta Investment Property — $350,000
Purchase: $350,000 SFR in Gwinnett County. Loan: $262,500 (25% down).
| Item | Amount | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney Fee | $1,100 | Standard residential closing |
| Intangible Tax | $788 | $262,500 × 0.3% |
| Lender Origination (0.5%) | $1,313 | $262,500 × 0.5% |
| Appraisal | $500 | Standard fee |
| Inspection | $425 | Includes termite |
| Title Insurance (Owner’s) | $1,750 | $350,000 × 0.5% |
| Lender Title Policy | $394 | $262,500 × 0.15% |
| Recording Fee | $125 | Gwinnett County |
| Escrow Reserves (3 mo) | $1,338 | 3 × ($263 tax + $183 ins) |
| Credit Report | $50 | |
| Prepaid Interest (15 days) | $767 | $262,500 × 7% ÷ 365 × 15 |
| Total Buyer Closing Costs | $8,550 | 2.4% of purchase price |
Note: this does not include the transfer tax (0.1% = $350, paid by seller). The intangible tax ($788) and attorney fee ($1,100) together add $1,888 that investors from Texas or Florida would not expect. Run your specific deal in the Georgia closing costs calculator.
Worked Example: Augusta Duplex — $160,000
Purchase: $160,000 duplex in Richmond County. Loan: $120,000 (25% down).
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Attorney Fee | $900 |
| Intangible Tax (0.3%) | $360 |
| Lender Origination (0.5%) | $600 |
| Appraisal | $450 |
| Inspection + Termite | $400 |
| Title Insurance (Owner’s) | $800 |
| Lender Title Policy | $180 |
| Recording Fee | $100 |
| Escrow Reserves (3 mo) | $750 |
| Credit Report + Prepaid Interest | $245 |
| Total Buyer Closing Costs | $4,785 |
$4,785 = 3.0% of purchase price. Lower dollar amount than Atlanta because of the lower purchase price, but higher as a percentage because fixed costs (attorney, appraisal, inspection) are similar regardless of price. For the full investment analysis including cash flow, use the Georgia rental property calculator.
Georgia vs Texas vs Florida Closing Costs
| Factor | Georgia | Texas | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 0.1% | None | 0.7% (doc stamps) |
| Intangible Tax | 0.3% of loan | None | 0.2% of loan |
| Attorney Required | Yes ($800–$1,500) | No | No |
| Title Insurance Paid By | Buyer | Seller | Varies by county |
| Typical Buyer Total | 2.5–5% | 2–4% | 2.5–5% |
| Unique Cost | Attorney + intangible | Survey required | Doc stamps highest |
Georgia’s total buyer closing costs are comparable to Florida and slightly higher than Texas. The attorney requirement adds $800–$1,500 that other states don’t have, but Georgia’s 0.1% transfer tax is the lowest of the three. The intangible tax (0.3% of mortgage) is a cost most out-of-state investors miss entirely. Compare deals across states using the closing costs calculator.
County-by-County Differences
Georgia closing costs vary by county primarily through property tax escrow amounts and recording fees:
| County | Metro | Property Tax Rate | 3-Mo Escrow Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton | Atlanta | 1.1% | $825 on $300K |
| DeKalb | Atlanta | 1.2% | $900 on $300K |
| Gwinnett | Atlanta suburbs | 0.9% | $675 on $300K |
| Chatham | Savannah | 0.95% | $713 on $300K |
| Richmond | Augusta | 1.0% | $750 on $300K |
The tax rate difference between Gwinnett (0.9%) and DeKalb (1.2%) means $225 more in escrow on a $300K property. Not deal-breaking, but it adds up across a portfolio. Use county-specific rates in the Georgia closing costs calculator.
5 Georgia Closing Cost Mistakes
1. Not Budgeting for the Attorney
Why: $800–$1,500 that Texas and Florida investors never encounter. On a $160K Augusta duplex, the attorney fee alone is 0.6% of the purchase price.
Fix: Always include attorney fee as a line item. It is not optional in Georgia.
2. Missing the Intangible Tax
Why: 0.3% of mortgage amount. On a $262,500 loan = $788. Most closing cost calculators from national sites don’t include Georgia-specific taxes.
Fix: Use the Georgia closing costs calculator which includes this line item. Per Georgia DOR.
3. Assuming Seller Pays Title Insurance
Why: In Texas, seller pays owner’s title policy by convention. In Georgia, buyer typically pays. On $350K = $1,750 you weren’t expecting.
Fix: Budget title insurance as a buyer cost. Negotiate seller concessions if needed — Georgia allows up to 3–6% seller credits depending on loan type.
4. Skipping Termite Inspection
Why: Georgia’s warm climate means active termite populations statewide. A $100 termite inspection can save you from $5,000–$15,000 in remediation. Many Georgia lenders require it.
Fix: Always add termite inspection ($75–$150) to your standard home inspection. Per Georgia Office of Insurance.
5. Not Requesting Seller Concessions
Why: Georgia sellers can contribute 3–6% toward buyer closing costs (varies by loan type). On a $350K purchase, that is $10,500–$21,000. In a 27-day DOM market, sellers are motivated.
Fix: Request 2–3% seller credit in your offer. Factor it into your down payment planning — see the investment property down payment guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are closing costs in Georgia for investment property?
Buyer closing costs in Georgia run 2.5–5% of the purchase price. On a $350K Atlanta property, expect approximately $8,550. On a $160K Augusta duplex, approximately $4,785. Georgia is higher than Texas due to the required attorney fee ($800–$1,500) and intangible tax (0.3% of mortgage).
Do I need an attorney to close in Georgia?
What is the intangible tax in Georgia?
Does Georgia have a transfer tax?
Who pays title insurance in Georgia?
Are Georgia closing costs higher than Texas?
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