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Guide

Who Pays What at Closing in Contra Costa County

By Karla I. Vasquez, REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty Danville · Reviewed October 2026

Quick answer

In Contra Costa County, who pays which closing cost is set by local custom and by what buyer and seller agree to in the purchase contract. Everything is negotiable. The county documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of value ($0.55 per $500). Richmond and El Cerrito add their own city transfer taxes on top. Your escrow officer shows the final split on your settlement statement.

What is the Contra Costa County transfer tax?

The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder charges a documentary transfer tax of $0.55 per $500 of value, which works out to $1.10 per $1,000. It applies to the full value of the property, except liens that stay on the property after the sale.

  • Example: on an $800,000 sale, the county tax is about $880.
  • Local title-company charts list this tax as either a seller cost or a 50/50 split, depending on the chart. It's negotiable, so check what your contract says.

Which Contra Costa cities charge an extra transfer tax?

The County Recorder lists two cities with their own transfer tax, collected on top of the county tax:

  • Richmond (per $1,000 of full value):
  • Under $1 million: $7.00
  • $1 million to $3 million: $12.50
  • $3 million to $10 million: $25.00
  • Over $10 million: $30.00
  • El Cerrito: $12.00 per $1,000

Example: an $800,000 home in Richmond would have about $5,600 in city transfer tax plus the $880 county tax. That's a real line item, so we plan for it from day one. Rates can change by local vote, so always confirm the current rate with the Recorder or your title company.

Buying or selling across the county line? Several Alameda County cities, including Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda, charge their own city transfer taxes, and San Francisco has its own tiered tax. Ask your escrow officer for the exact numbers before you sign.

Typical buyer costs vs. seller costs

Old Republic Title's Bay Area closing cost chart lists these customs for Contra Costa. Your contract can change any of them.

Buyers commonly pay: - Escrow fees (per the chart; some deals split them) - Owner's title insurance policy - Lender's title policy and loan fees (appraisal, origination, etc.) - Recording fees for the new deed and loan - Prorated property taxes and HOA dues from the closing date - Homeowners insurance and any impound (escrow account) deposits your lender requires

Sellers commonly pay: - Payoff of existing loans and any liens - Documentary transfer tax, or the agreed share of it - Their share of any city transfer tax, as negotiated - Real estate agent compensation, which is negotiable and set in your agreements - Any repair credits agreed to after inspections - Prorated property taxes and HOA dues up to closing, plus HOA document fees if applicable

How do I see the final numbers before closing?

If you're getting a loan, federal rules require your lender to give you a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. The CFPB recommends comparing it line by line with your Loan Estimate: loan amount, monthly payment, closing costs, cash to close and any seller credit. Sellers get an estimated settlement statement from escrow. Review it early and ask questions.

After closing, buyers should expect a supplemental property tax bill from Contra Costa County. It's a one-time bill for the change in assessed value, and the county mails it directly to the owner even if your lender pays your regular taxes.

Karla's tips

  • Negotiate costs on purpose. Who pays the transfer tax, escrow or title is part of the offer. In a slower market it can be a meaningful credit. Let's decide it together before we write.
  • Get real repair numbers before you ask for credits. As Owner & Principal of KCK Construction & Remodeling, I can help you understand what an inspection item may actually cost to fix. Then repair requests or credits are based on real numbers, not guesses.
  • Watch the city line. Two homes a few blocks apart, one in Richmond and one in unincorporated county, can have very different transfer taxes. I check this before we price or make an offer.
  • Budget for the supplemental tax bill. Set money aside so the bill doesn't surprise you in your first year.
  • Ask in your language. I walk through every line of the settlement statement in English or Spanish, so you understand exactly where your money goes.

En español: lo básico

En el condado de Contra Costa, quién paga cada costo de cierre depende de la costumbre local y de lo que se negocie en el contrato. El impuesto de transferencia del condado es de $1.10 por cada $1,000 del valor. Richmond y El Cerrito cobran un impuesto municipal adicional. Antes de cerrar, revise su Closing Disclosure y su estado de cuenta de escrow, y no dude en preguntar. Con gusto le explico cada línea en español.

Sources

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, fees and rules change; confirm with the agency, your lender, escrow officer, tax professional or attorney. Karla I. Vasquez is a REALTOR® and Registered LDA, not an attorney.