Closing costs in San Antonio (2026): what buyers and sellers pay

Short answer: Texas has no state real estate transfer tax, and title insurance premiums follow a rate schedule set by the Texas Department of Insurance, so a big part of your closing costs is predictable before you even pick a title company. The rest depends on your loan, the time of year you close, and what you negotiate in the contract. This guide is from Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR® and founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC.

Title insurance: set by the state

In Texas, the basic premium for a title policy comes from the Texas Department of Insurance's published rate schedule. Under the rates effective March 1, 2026, the basic premium for an owner's policy is:

$200,000 home: $1,274
$300,000 home: $1,768
$350,000 home: $2,015
$400,000 home: $2,262

Endorsements and the lender's policy are added on top. Your title company's estimate will show the exact figures for your purchase price and loan.

Who pays what

The standard Texas resale contract from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has a box for whether the seller or the buyer pays for the owner's title policy, and separate sections for the seller's expenses and the buyer's expenses. Commonly in Texas, the seller pays for the owner's policy and the buyer pays for the lender's policy, but every item is negotiable and should be written into the contract.

Buyers usually see: lender fees (origination, appraisal, credit report), the lender's title policy, escrow and recording fees, a survey if the seller's existing survey can't be used, prepaid homeowners insurance, and an initial deposit into the escrow account for property taxes and insurance.
Sellers usually see: the owner's title policy (when agreed), payoff of their mortgage, their share of escrow fees, any repairs or credits they agree to, HOA resale certificate fees where an HOA exists, and broker compensation as agreed in their listing agreement.

One lender's guide, updated August 2026, puts Texas seller closing costs at roughly 2% to 3% of the sale price before commissions. Your own numbers depend on your price, payoff and negotiated terms, so ask for a seller net sheet before you list.

Property taxes are split at closing

Texas property taxes are paid once a year for the year just ended, so the TREC contract prorates current-year taxes through the closing date. In practice the seller credits the buyer for the part of the year the seller owned the home, and the buyer pays the full bill when it comes due. Closing later in the year means a larger credit. See our San Antonio property tax guide for rates and exemptions.

No transfer tax in Texas

Texas does not charge a state real estate transfer tax, which keeps closing costs lower here than in many states. You will still pay small county recording fees for the deed and deed of trust.

Ways to lower your closing costs

Ask the seller for a credit toward closing costs as part of your offer.
On new construction, compare builder closing-cost incentives against the home's price; incentives change often, so check the builder's own site and terms (see our new construction guide).
Ask whether the seller's existing survey can be reused.
First-time buyers can look at down payment and closing cost assistance programs (see our first-time buyer guide).
Compare Loan Estimates from more than one lender.

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas have a real estate transfer tax?

No. Texas does not impose a state transfer tax on real estate sales. Buyers and sellers pay county recording fees instead, which are small.

How much is title insurance on a $300,000 home in San Antonio?

Under the Texas Department of Insurance rates effective March 1, 2026, the basic premium for a $300,000 owner's policy is $1,768. Endorsements and the lender's policy are extra.

Who pays for title insurance in Texas?

Commonly the seller pays for the owner's policy and the buyer pays for the lender's policy, but it is negotiable and is set in the purchase contract.

How are property taxes handled at closing in San Antonio?

Current-year taxes are prorated to the closing date. The seller credits the buyer for the months the seller owned the home, and the buyer pays the full annual bill when it is due.

Who can help me estimate my closing costs?

Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR®, prepares buyer cost estimates and seller net sheets with your lender and title company. Call (210) 838-6099.

Get your numbers

Buying or selling in San Antonio? Call or text Chris Dudley at (210) 838-6099 for an estimate built on your price and loan.

Chris Dudley, REALTOR®, TREC #731381. Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC. General information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Figures as of October 27, 2026.