Who pays what in Virginia
Virginia splits transfer costs: sellers pay the grantor tax (0.1%), buyers pay the recordation tax (0.25% state + ~0.083% county) plus title and prepaids.
Closing costs by county in Virginia
Rates and medians vary widely inside Virginia. County-level breakdowns: Fairfax County (Northern Virginia) — 1.00% effective property tax, median $720,000; Loudoun County (Ashburn / Leesburg) — 0.87% effective property tax, median $745,000; Prince William County (Woodbridge / Manassas) — 1.05% effective property tax, median $545,000.
Buyers DO pay transfer tax here
Unlike most states where transfer tax is the seller's line item, Virginia buyers pay the recordation tax — roughly 0.33% all-in on the price, about $1,500 on a $450K home. Northern Virginia jurisdictions can add congestion/regional fees on top.
Negotiation levers in Virginia
Three moves that actually work: (1) get Loan Estimates from 3 lenders — origination and points vary by thousands; (2) ask for seller concessions (3% conventional under 10% down, 6% above, 6% FHA) credited at closing; (3) close at month-end to shrink prepaid interest from ~30 days to ~2. In Virginia, transfer-tax custom is negotiable too — everything is a contract term.
FAQ
How much are closing costs in Virginia?
Budget 2–4% of the purchase price for buyer closing costs in Virginia, plus your down payment. On the $450,000 median Virginia home that's roughly $11,250–$18,000. Buyer pays the 0.25% grantee recordation tax; seller pays the 0.1% grantor tax. Counties add ~0.083%.
Does the buyer pay transfer tax in Virginia?
Yes — buyers in Virginia customarily pay about 0.25% of the price in transfer/recordation taxes. Buyer pays the 0.25% grantee recordation tax; seller pays the 0.1% grantor tax. Counties add ~0.083%.
Can I roll closing costs into the loan in Virginia?
Not directly, but you can trade a slightly higher rate for a lender credit that covers costs, or negotiate seller concessions. The break-even on a lender credit is typically 3–5 years — only worth it if you'll sell or refinance before then.
How much should I save to buy a house in Virginia?
Down payment + closing costs + 2–3 months of reserves. On the Virginia median $450,000 home with 10% down, that's roughly $58,500 before reserves — the calculator above gives your exact stack.
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