In short
No official source gives a “typical” Utah closing-cost percentage, so add the costs line by line. The state contract has the seller pay for the buyer’s title policy by default (Utah Division of Real Estate, REPC § 6.2). Each county recorder charges $40 per recorded document (Utah Code § 17-71-407), and Utah levies no transfer tax that the sources below show.
Why there is no single “typical” total
Few Utah closing costs are fixed by a government body. The county recorder’s fee is set by statute. Title insurance rates must be filed with the Utah Insurance Department. Everything else, such as lender charges, escrow fees, inspections and brokerage compensation, is set by private companies and varies.
So your total depends mostly on your loan, your contract and your closing date. The variable pieces appear on two federal forms. Your lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application, and you must receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you close (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). Every lender uses the same Loan Estimate form, so you can compare offers.
Line by line: what each cost is
Lender charges. Origination, appraisal, credit report and underwriting fees are set by the lender and the companies it hires. No Utah rate table applies. See what a home appraisal costs.
Title insurance. The Insurance Department says Utah is a “file and use” state: title companies must file their rates and charge the rates on file, but they are not required to charge the same amount as each other. The one-time premium is paid at closing. Under Utah Code § 31A-19a-209, the Title and Escrow Commission may make rules on rate standards. The Department publishes no single price table for homeowners, so ask your title company for a quote and compare. See title insurance explained.
Escrow fee. The escrow or closing office charges for settlement services. The Insurance Department says you can shop around, because these fees may differ between agents. Under the state contract, each party pays its own fees to the escrow office unless you agree otherwise in writing (REPC § 4.3(a)).
Recording fees. The county recorder records the deed and the lender’s security document. By statute the fee is $40 per instrument, plus $2 for each description beyond ten. A recorder may not charge more than one recording fee per instrument (§ 17-71-407). The Salt Lake County Recorder lists a flat $40 fee as of October 2026. Some smaller counties add $5 in certain cases, so check your county.
Transfer tax. Our transfer tax page explains why no tax is charged on the deed.
HOA fees. Some associations charge a fee when title changes hands. The contract has a checkbox for who pays: seller, buyer, or split (REPC § 4.3(c)).
Prorations and prepaid items. Property taxes for the current year and HOA dues are prorated as of the settlement deadline unless you agree otherwise (REPC § 4.1). If your lender requires reserves for taxes and insurance, they fund your escrow account. See Utah property tax.
Brokerage compensation. It is negotiated and paid under the written agreements, not set by Utah law. See real estate commission.
Who pays what in Utah
Utah law requires real estate licensees to use the REPC, a form approved by the Utah Real Estate Commission and the Attorney General’s office. Buyer and seller can still change its terms. The version in force today took effect on December 4, 2024.
| Cost | Default in the Utah REPC |
|---|---|
| Owner’s title policy (ALTA Homeowner’s Policy) | Seller (§ 6.2) |
| Lender’s title policy | Buyer, usually, per the Insurance Department |
| Escrow fees | Each party pays its own fees unless agreed otherwise (§ 4.3(a)) |
| HOA change-of-ownership fee | Checkbox: seller, buyer, split or other (§ 4.3(c)) |
| Special assessments approved before settlement | Checkbox: seller, buyer, split or other (§ 4.2) |
| Prorated property tax and HOA dues | Prorated to the settlement deadline (§ 4.1) |
| Recording fees, lender charges | Not assigned in the contract; set by the loan and the closing instructions |
What it costs: a worked example in Salt Lake City
This is an example, not a quote. Assume a $500,000 home in Salt Lake City, bought with a mortgage, and a June 30 closing. Only the lines fixed by statute or by public rates are calculated.
| Line | Rule used | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | No tax found in the sources read | $0 |
| Recording the deed | Utah Code § 17-71-407 | $40 |
| Recording the lender’s deed of trust | Utah Code § 17-71-407 | $40 |
| Owner’s title policy | Filed by each title company; no state table | Ask for a quote |
| Seller’s share of the year’s property tax | See below | $1,260.06 |
| Lender charges, escrow fee, inspection | Set by each provider | See your Loan Estimate |
The property tax line assumes the home is a primary residence in Salt Lake City tax area 01A at the county’s 2025 rates, a taxable value of $275,000 and a tax of $2,541 a year (see Salt Lake City property tax). If the seller owes the days from January 1 to June 30 (181 of 365), the seller’s share is $1,260.06. Proration by days is only one method; your closing instructions decide. Your tax bill for a later year will differ. For local context, see the Salt Lake City guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Utah have a transfer tax on home sales?
Not one that the official sources show. The Salt Lake County Recorder lists a flat recording fee and no tax based on price. See our transfer tax page for the details and what was checked.
Who pays for the owner’s title policy in Utah?
Under the state contract, the seller pays for the ALTA Homeowner’s Policy (REPC § 6.2). The Insurance Department says the buyer and seller may negotiate who pays the premium.
Can I shop for cheaper title insurance in Utah?
Yes. The Insurance Department says title companies are not required to charge the same amount, but they must charge the rates on file. You can also compare escrow fees.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Utah?
By statute, $40 per instrument, plus $2 for each description beyond ten (Utah Code § 17-71-407). The Salt Lake County Recorder charges a flat $40 as of October 2026.
When will I know my exact closing costs?
Your lender must send a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application. You must receive the Closing Disclosure, with the final figures, at least three business days before closing (CFPB).
Compare with the other states: Closing costs by state.
More Utah guides
- Real estate transfer tax in Utah: is there one?
- How Utah property tax works and the 45% residential exemption
- Seller disclosure requirements in Utah: what sellers must tell
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Utah?
- How does foreclosure work in Utah, and how long does it take?
- Home prices in Utah and Salt Lake City: median value and trend
- First-time home buyer programs in Utah: where to look for help
- How to verify a real estate license in Utah (5 professions)
Sources
- Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC), effective December 4, 2024 (Utah Division of Real Estate) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Title Insurance (Utah Insurance Department) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Utah Code § 31A-19a-209, special provisions for title insurance (Utah Legislature) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Utah Code § 17-71-407, county recorder fees (Utah Legislature) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Requirements & Fees (Salt Lake County Recorder) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Property Tax Rates by Area, 2025 (Salt Lake County Auditor) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Utah Code § 59-2-1331, property tax due date (Utah Legislature) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- What is a Loan Estimate? (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- What is a Closing Disclosure? (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)