Property Taxes and Closing Costs in Savannah, GA: A Complete 2026 Guide
How Chatham County Property Taxes Work
Georgia's property tax system has a structure that confuses buyers from other states — and even many Georgia buyers who haven't encountered it before. The source of confusion is the assessed value system mandated by state law, which creates a gap between the number you think of as your home's value and the number the county uses to calculate your tax bill.
Under OCGA 48-5-2, Georgia requires that all real property be assessed at 40% of its fair market value. This means a home worth $400,000 on the open market has an assessed value of $160,000 for tax purposes. The assessed value — not the fair market value — is what the millage rate is applied to. This 40% rule is consistent across all 159 Georgia counties and is not a Chatham County-specific quirk.
The millage rate is the tax rate expressed in mills, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Savannah properties are subject to overlapping millage rates from multiple taxing authorities: Chatham County general operations, the school district, City of Savannah municipal (for city-limit properties), and special service districts where applicable. These millage rates are set annually through the budget processes of each taxing authority.
Why your county assessment isn't your home's market value
When new Savannah homeowners receive their first tax notice, the "assessed value" on the bill — say, $160,000 — often causes confusion. "My house is worth $160,000? I paid $400,000 for it." The county isn't saying your home is worth $160,000. They're saying 40% of your home's $400,000 fair market value = $160,000 assessed value, which is then used for the tax calculation. This distinction matters when evaluating whether to appeal — your appeal should focus on whether the county's implied fair market value (assessed value ÷ 0.40) is higher than your home would actually sell for, not on whether the assessed value equals the purchase price.
Calculating Your Savannah Property Tax Bill
The actual mechanics of calculating a Savannah property tax bill involve several steps, and working through the math with a real example makes the process concrete.
Example: $400,000 home, City of Savannah, homestead exemption applied, 2026
The combined millage rate from all overlapping Chatham County jurisdictions (county, school, city, and special districts) varies by exact location — City of Savannah properties include the municipal millage; unincorporated Chatham County properties outside city limits have a different combined rate. The effective property tax rate for most Savannah residential properties (with standard homestead exemption) runs approximately 0.80–1.05% of fair market value annually.
How lenders calculate your escrow account
Most mortgage lenders require an escrow account for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Your lender will estimate the annual tax bill, divide by 12, and collect that amount monthly alongside your principal and interest. At closing, lenders typically collect several months of escrow reserves to ensure sufficient funds at the time the tax bill is due. Your first-year tax escrow estimate is often based on the prior owner's tax bill — which may change significantly after the homestead exemption is applied (lowering your bill) or if the county reassesses based on your purchase price (potentially raising it). Expect your escrow amount to be adjusted after your first full tax year as a Chatham County homeowner.
The Homestead Exemption — File This Immediately After Closing
The homestead exemption is the single most important post-closing action for new Savannah homeowners — and the deadline (April 1) is the one that most people miss because they close in the spring or fall and don't realize that by the time they've settled in, the deadline for the current tax year has passed.
The standard homestead exemption reduces the assessed value used to calculate property taxes for your primary residence. In Chatham County: $15,000 reduction from assessed value for county taxes; $12,000 reduction from assessed value for school district taxes. On a $400,000 home, this reduces the assessed value from $160,000 to $145,000 for county taxes and $148,000 for school taxes — producing annual tax savings of several hundred dollars compared to no exemption.
How to file the homestead exemption
- Where to file: Chatham County Board of Assessors. Applications can be submitted in person at their office, by mail, or online at chathamcountyga.gov.
- What to bring: Valid Georgia driver's license or ID showing the property address as your current address, and a copy of your closing documents (deed or HUD settlement statement) showing you are the owner.
- When to file: By April 1 for the exemption to take effect for the current tax year. If you close before April 1, file within days of closing. If you close after April 1, file immediately after closing and the exemption will apply starting the following tax year.
- How long it takes: The exemption is typically processed within a few weeks of application and will be reflected in your annual tax bill for qualifying years.
- Is it automatic? No — you must actively apply. The exemption is not automatically granted upon home purchase.
Don't miss the April 1 deadline — it cannot be backdated
If you miss the April 1 homestead exemption deadline for the current tax year, the exemption will not apply until the following year. There is no exception, no hardship waiver, and no ability to retroactively apply the exemption to a year where the deadline was missed. For a buyer who closes on March 28 and forgets to file for three weeks, this means paying a full year of taxes without the exemption benefit. Set a reminder within 24 hours of your closing date to file.
Additional Exemptions for Seniors, Veterans, and Disabled Homeowners
Beyond the standard homestead exemption, Chatham County and the State of Georgia offer enhanced property tax exemptions for specific categories of homeowners. These can provide substantially larger reductions than the standard exemption — in some cases eliminating school tax obligations entirely.
Georgia provides enhanced property tax exemptions for homeowners age 65 and older, including significant reductions or complete exemption from school district taxes. Income limits apply to the full school tax exemption — the specific threshold should be verified with the Chatham County Board of Assessors for the current year. Senior exemptions can represent substantial savings, particularly for homes with higher assessed values where the school millage rate creates a significant portion of the annual tax bill.
Georgia provides a complete property tax exemption for homeowners with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA. Partial exemptions are available for veterans with service-connected disability ratings below 100%. Surviving spouses of veterans killed in action may also qualify for exemptions. The exemption applies to the primary residence and requires documentation of disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is one of the most significant property tax benefits available — eligible veterans should apply as soon as they take ownership.
Surviving spouses of service members killed in action, or of peace officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence under Georgia law. The surviving spouse must not have remarried. Appropriate documentation of the service member's death in the line of duty is required. Contact the Chatham County Board of Assessors with documentation to apply.
Ask specifically about all available exemptions
When you file your homestead exemption, ask the Board of Assessors staff directly: "Are there any additional exemptions I might qualify for based on my age, disability, military service, or other factors?" The standard exemption application doesn't always prompt you to apply for enhanced benefits you may be entitled to. Contact the Chatham County Board of Assessors at 912-652-7275 to discuss your specific situation.
Appealing Your Chatham County Tax Assessment
If you believe your property's fair market value is lower than what the Chatham County Board of Assessors implies through your assessed value, you have the legal right to appeal — and the appeal process is more accessible and more frequently successful than most property owners realize.
When an appeal makes sense
Remember: Chatham County assesses at 40% of fair market value. To determine whether your assessment is reasonable, divide your assessed value by 0.40 to get the implied fair market value. If your assessment notice shows an assessed value of $180,000, the county is saying your home has a fair market value of $450,000. If your home would realistically sell for less than $450,000 in current market conditions, an appeal is worth pursuing.
- File within 45 days of the assessment notice date. This is an absolute deadline — appeals received after 45 days are rejected regardless of merit.
- The most effective evidence is a professional appraisal. A licensed Georgia appraiser's report showing a lower market value than the county's implied fair market value is the most persuasive evidence in an appeal hearing. Paul Weber Appraisal Company (paulweberappraisals.com) and Leggett Appraisal Company (leggettappraisal.com) serve Chatham County and are experienced with assessment appeal appraisals.
- Recent sale price is also strong evidence. If you purchased the property recently at a price lower than the county's implied market value, the arms-length sale transaction is compelling evidence of actual market value.
- Appeal options: Informal review with the Board of Assessors staff; formal appeal to the Board of Equalization; and further appeal to superior court if the Board of Equalization ruling is unsatisfactory.
- Success affects future years. A successful assessment appeal reduces not just the current year's tax bill but establishes a new assessment baseline that can affect multiple future years.
The math of an appeal — why it's worth the effort
If a successful appeal reduces your assessed value by $20,000, and Chatham County's combined millage rate produces approximately $30 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value, that $20,000 reduction saves approximately $600/year in property taxes — every year until the next reassessment. Over five years, that's $3,000 in savings from a process that costs $350–$500 for an appraisal and a few hours of your time. When the annual savings exceed the cost of the appraisal in the first year, it's almost always worth pursuing.
Buyer Closing Costs — Full Breakdown
Closing costs are the expenses paid at the time of purchase in addition to the down payment. For Savannah buyers, these typically run 2–5% of the purchase price and catch many buyers off guard because they're often not fully communicated until the Closing Disclosure arrives three business days before closing.
| Cost Item | Who Pays | Typical Cost — Savannah 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Origination Fee | Buyer | 0.5–1% of loan amount ($1,550–$3,100 on $310K loan) | Negotiable with lender; some lenders offer "no origination fee" at higher rate |
| Discount Points | Buyer (optional) | 1% of loan per point; reduces interest rate | Each point typically reduces rate by ~0.25%; evaluate breakeven carefully |
| Appraisal Fee | Buyer | $400–$700 | Historic District and complex properties toward higher end |
| Credit Report Fee | Buyer | $25–$75 | Charged by lender for pulling credit |
| Title Search | Buyer | $150–$400 | Older Savannah properties may require more extensive search |
| Lender's Title Insurance | Buyer | $300–$800 | Required by virtually all mortgage lenders |
| Owner's Title Insurance | Buyer (optional but recommended) | $500–$1,200 | Strongly recommended for Savannah's older housing stock; one-time premium |
| Closing Attorney Fee | Buyer (or split) | $500–$1,000 | Georgia is an attorney-closing state — required for every closing |
| Recording Fees | Buyer | $100–$300 | Chatham County deed recording; set by state and county |
| Prepaid Homeowner's Insurance | Buyer | First year premium ($1,500–$5,000+) | Higher for coastal properties, historic homes; flood insurance separate if required |
| Prepaid Property Taxes | Buyer | Varies by closing date | Tax proration; buyer receives credit for seller's portion and pays own portion going forward |
| Prepaid Mortgage Interest | Buyer | Varies by closing date (days remaining in month × daily interest) | Closing earlier in month means more prepaid interest; closing late in month means less |
| Escrow Reserve Deposit | Buyer | 2–3 months taxes + insurance | Initial escrow cushion required by lender |
| Survey (if required) | Buyer | $400–$800 | Not always required; historic or non-standard lots more likely to need one |
| Total Buyer Closing Costs (est.) | $6,800–$17,000+ on $340K purchase | 2–5% of purchase price; varies by loan type, property, and lender |
Closing Disclosure vs. Loan Estimate — understanding both documents
Your lender must provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of receiving your loan application — this is your first look at estimated closing costs. The Closing Disclosure must be provided at least 3 business days before your closing date — this shows final, confirmed costs. Compare the two documents carefully. Certain fee categories are prohibited from increasing at all; others may increase up to 10%; some can change freely. If you see unexplained increases between the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, ask your lender to explain them in writing before signing anything at the closing table.
Seller Closing Costs — Full Breakdown
Sellers in Savannah typically pay more in total closing costs than buyers as a percentage of the transaction, though the composition is different — seller costs are primarily deducted from sale proceeds rather than paid as cash at closing.
| Cost Item | Typical Cost — Savannah 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Commission | Negotiated percentage of sale price | The largest seller cost; negotiated in listing agreement. Commission structures have been evolving since 2024 NAR settlement — discuss structure with your listing agent |
| Georgia Transfer Tax | $1 per $1,000 of sale price (0.1%) | On $340,000 sale = $340. One of the lowest transfer taxes in the U.S. |
| Prorated Property Taxes | Varies by closing date | Seller pays their portion of the annual tax bill for the period they owned the property in the sale year |
| Existing Mortgage Payoff | Remaining balance + accrued interest | Full payoff includes principal balance, any accrued interest, and any prepayment penalty (rare on most residential loans) |
| Document Preparation Fee | $100–$300 | Attorney fee for preparing deed and related documents |
| HOA Estoppel Letter | $50–$300 (if applicable) | Required if property is in an HOA; certifies amounts owed and any outstanding violations |
| Seller Concessions (if negotiated) | As negotiated in purchase agreement | Contributions toward buyer closing costs reduce seller net proceeds; subject to loan-type limits |
| Termite Letter | $75–$150 | Often required or expected by buyer; official inspection report from licensed pest control company |
| Total Seller Costs (ex. commission, mortgage payoff) | $600–$1,500+ (plus commission) | Total net proceeds = sale price minus all seller costs and mortgage payoff |
Calculate your net proceeds before you list
Understanding your net proceeds before listing is essential for making informed decisions about pricing and negotiations. Net proceeds = Sale Price minus (commission + transfer tax + prorated taxes + mortgage payoff + estimated seller concessions + other closing costs). Use our free home valuation tool to understand your likely sale price, then work through the net proceeds calculation before you list. Sellers who don't know their net until closing day often make pricing decisions — accepting or rejecting offers — without the information they need.
Georgia Real Estate Transfer Tax
Georgia's real estate transfer tax is assessed at the time a property deed is recorded following a sale. The rate is $1.00 per $1,000 of the actual consideration paid (the sale price) — making Georgia's transfer tax one of the lowest in the United States at 0.1%.
Transfer tax examples
- $250,000 sale: $250 transfer tax
- $340,000 sale: $340 transfer tax
- $500,000 sale: $500 transfer tax
- $750,000 sale: $750 transfer tax
- $1,000,000 sale: $1,000 transfer tax
Key transfer tax facts
- Paid by the seller at closing
- Collected and remitted by the closing attorney
- Based on actual sale price (consideration)
- Certain transfers may be exempt: gifts, inheritance, certain corporate transfers — verify with closing attorney
- Georgia's 0.1% rate is among the lowest nationally — many states charge 1–2%+
Title Insurance in Savannah — Why It Matters Here
Title insurance protects against financial loss from defects in a property's title — claims, liens, disputes, or errors in public records that could affect ownership. There are two types: lender's title insurance (required by virtually all mortgage lenders) and owner's title insurance (technically optional but strongly recommended).
Why owner's title insurance matters more in Savannah
Savannah's older housing stock — particularly in the Historic District, Victorian District, and Midtown — has changed hands many times over decades or centuries. Each transfer creates an opportunity for a title defect: an heir who was not included in a prior estate sale, a lien that was never properly released, a boundary dispute from a 1940s survey, an easement that was never recorded. These defects can surface years or decades after your purchase and create genuine financial exposure if you don't have owner's title insurance.
- Owner's title insurance cost: Approximately $500–$1,200 one-time premium paid at closing — there are no ongoing payments.
- Coverage: Protects your equity interest in the property for as long as you or your heirs own it, against covered title defects that existed before your purchase date.
- What it covers: Unknown liens (unpaid taxes, contractor liens, HOA violations), prior ownership disputes, errors in public records, forgery in prior transactions, undisclosed heirs, encroachments, and easements not shown in public records.
- What it doesn't cover: Title defects that arise after your purchase date, zoning violations, and certain known conditions disclosed at closing.
- Enhanced vs. standard policies: Enhanced ALTA owner's policies provide broader coverage than standard policies, including some post-purchase issues. Ask your closing attorney which policy type is being offered and whether the enhanced policy is available at a modest additional premium.
Savannah-specific title consideration — STVR certificates and permits
For properties in Savannah with existing STVR (short-term vacation rental) certificates, it's important to understand that STVR permits are not property rights that transfer with the deed — they are city-issued licenses that may or may not be transferable depending on the specific ordinance in effect at the time of sale. Title insurance does not protect against regulatory limitations on property use. Verify STVR permit status and transferability separately from your title insurance review.
Strategies to Reduce Closing Costs in Savannah
Closing costs are not entirely fixed — several components are negotiable or can be reduced through timing, program selection, and negotiation strategy. Here are the most effective legitimate strategies for Savannah buyers and sellers.
For buyers
- Negotiate seller concessions. In Savannah's current market, requesting seller contributions toward closing costs is common and accepted — particularly when the property has been on the market more than 30 days. A $5,000 seller concession toward closing costs is often more achievable than an equivalent reduction in purchase price, and it directly addresses the cash-at-closing constraint that buyers face.
- Compare lender fees, not just rates. Lender origination fees and processing charges vary significantly between lenders for identical loan amounts. Get Loan Estimates from at least two lenders and compare the total closing costs section — not just the interest rate. A lender with a 0.125% higher rate but $2,000 lower fees may be the better choice depending on how long you hold the loan.
- Use down payment assistance programs. DreamMaker and Georgia Dream assistance can be applied toward closing costs, significantly reducing out-of-pocket requirements for qualifying buyers. These programs exist specifically to reduce the cash-at-closing barrier.
- Time your closing late in the month. Prepaid mortgage interest at closing covers the days from your closing date to the end of the month. Closing on the 27th versus the 5th saves approximately three weeks of prepaid interest — $400–$700 on a $340,000 loan at current rates.
- Roll costs into the loan where possible. Some lenders offer the option to roll closing costs into the loan amount (at a slightly higher rate), eliminating immediate out-of-pocket cost. Evaluate the long-term interest cost of rolling costs in versus paying them upfront based on your expected holding period.
For sellers
- Negotiate commission structure. Real estate commission is the largest seller cost and is fully negotiable. Commission structures have been evolving since the 2024 NAR settlement — discuss the structure with your listing agent, understand what services are included, and negotiate based on the specific value provided for your property type and price point.
- Consider offering buyer concessions strategically. Rather than reducing your list price, offering a credit toward buyer closing costs can make your property more attractive to buyers who are cash-constrained at closing without affecting your property's appraised value (which is based on sale price, not net after concessions in most cases).
- Locate existing termite bond documentation. Rather than ordering a new termite inspection at full cost, locate and present existing documentation if your property has a current bond. Ask the existing bond company if the inspection letter is current and transferable.
Tax Proration and Timing at Closing
Property tax proration is one of the more mathematically complex elements of a Savannah closing — and one of the ones that affects buyers and sellers differently depending on when in the calendar year the transaction occurs.
Chatham County bills property taxes in arrears — the bill mailed in fall 2026 covers the entire 2026 calendar year. When a property sells mid-year, the tax obligation must be divided between the seller (who owned the property for part of the year) and the buyer (who will own it for the remainder of the year and will receive the full tax bill in the fall).
How proration works — May 15 closing example
- Annual estimated tax: $3,600
- Daily tax rate: $3,600 ÷ 365 = $9.86/day
- Seller owns Jan 1 through May 14 = 134 days
- Seller's proration: 134 × $9.86 = $1,321
- Buyer receives $1,321 credit at closing
- Buyer pays the full $3,600 bill in December
- Net: Buyer's out-of-pocket = $3,600 − $1,321 = $2,279
What this means for buyer cash needs
- The seller's tax credit reduces buyer cash at closing (a benefit)
- The full tax bill due December 31 must be budgeted for
- Lenders escrow property taxes monthly — the December bill is covered partly by monthly escrow and partly by the closing credit
- Tax amounts may differ from prior year if homestead exemption is newly applied or assessment changes
- For closings after the tax bill arrives (November+), actual amounts replace estimates
This guide provides general information about property taxes and closing costs in Savannah, Georgia as of May 2026 based on publicly available information, Georgia statutes (OCGA 48-5-2 and related), and current Chatham County assessment practices. Property tax rates (millage) are set annually and subject to change. Closing cost estimates reflect current market conditions and vary by transaction, lender, property type, and loan type. This guide does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult with your closing attorney, a licensed CPA, and the Chatham County Board of Assessors for guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Property Taxes and Closing Costs in Savannah, GA
How are property taxes calculated in Chatham County, GA?
Georgia law (OCGA 48-5-2) requires property assessment at 40% of fair market value. A $400,000 home has an assessed value of $160,000. The homestead exemption then reduces this further ($15,000 for county taxes, $12,000 for school taxes). The net taxable value is multiplied by the combined millage rate from all overlapping taxing authorities (county, school, city, special districts). Savannah properties typically generate annual tax bills representing approximately 0.80–1.05% of fair market value with the standard homestead exemption applied. The key confusion: the "assessed value" on your tax notice is NOT what your home is worth — it's 40% of its market value.
What is the homestead exemption in Chatham County?
The standard Chatham County homestead exemption reduces the assessed value used for tax calculations by $15,000 for county taxes and $12,000 for school district taxes. You must apply with the Chatham County Board of Assessors by April 1 each year — it is not automatic upon purchase. File immediately after closing if before April 1; file right after closing if after April 1 (takes effect the following year). The exemption applies only to your primary residence. Enhanced exemptions for seniors (65+), disabled veterans (up to full exemption for 100% service-connected disability), and surviving military spouses are also available — ask specifically about all exemptions you may qualify for when you file.
What are typical closing costs for buyers in Savannah, GA?
Savannah buyers typically pay 2–5% of purchase price in closing costs beyond the down payment — approximately $6,800–$17,000 on a $340,000 purchase. Components include: loan origination fee (0.5–1%), appraisal ($400–$700), title search and lender's title insurance ($500–$1,200), owner's title insurance (optional, $500–$1,200), closing attorney fee ($500–$1,000 — required in Georgia), recording fees ($100–$300), prepaid homeowner's insurance, prepaid property taxes (proration), and prepaid mortgage interest. Down payment assistance programs (DreamMaker, Georgia Dream) can be applied toward closing costs to reduce out-of-pocket requirements for qualifying buyers.
What are typical closing costs for sellers in Savannah, GA?
Seller costs include: real estate commission (the largest component, fully negotiated and paid from proceeds); Georgia transfer tax ($1 per $1,000 of sale price, so $340 on a $340,000 sale); prorated property taxes for the seller's ownership period in the sale year; existing mortgage payoff (principal + accrued interest); document preparation ($100–$300); termite letter ($75–$150); and any negotiated buyer concessions. Total seller costs excluding commission and mortgage payoff typically run $600–$1,500. Calculate your net proceeds before listing so you can make informed pricing and negotiation decisions.
Can I contest my Chatham County property tax assessment?
Yes — appeal within 45 days of the assessment notice date. Divide your assessed value by 0.40 to find the county's implied fair market value — if your home would realistically sell for less, an appeal is worth pursuing. The most effective evidence is a licensed appraiser's report showing a lower market value, or a recent arms-length sale below the implied value. Informal review with the Board of Assessors, formal Board of Equalization appeal, and superior court appeal are available options. A successful appeal reduces your tax bill for the current year and can establish a lower baseline for future years. Contact the Chatham County Board of Assessors at 912-652-7275 to begin the process.
Is title insurance required in Georgia?
Lender's title insurance is required by virtually all mortgage lenders in Georgia. Owner's title insurance is technically optional but strongly recommended, especially for Savannah's older housing stock where properties have changed hands many times over decades or centuries — creating more opportunity for undiscovered liens, heir disputes, or recording errors. Owner's title insurance is a one-time premium at closing ($500–$1,200) providing protection for as long as you or your heirs own the property. Given the cost of a single title dispute versus the premium, it's rarely cost-effective to skip owner's title insurance in Savannah.
What is the Georgia real estate transfer tax?
Georgia's real estate transfer tax is $1 per $1,000 of sale price (0.1%), paid by the seller at closing through the closing attorney. On a $340,000 sale, the transfer tax is $340. This is among the lowest transfer tax rates in the United States — many states charge 1–2% or more. The tax is based on actual consideration (sale price) and certain transfers (gifts, inheritance, corporate reorganizations) may qualify for exemption — verify with your closing attorney for specific situations.
How much is owner's title insurance in Savannah?
Owner's title insurance in Savannah typically runs $500–$1,200 as a one-time premium at closing, based on the purchase price with rates declining per thousand at higher coverage amounts. There are no ongoing premiums. Georgia allows title insurers to file rates with the Insurance Commissioner, so rates from different underwriters for identical coverage are often similar. Ask your closing attorney whether a standard or enhanced ALTA policy is being offered — enhanced policies provide somewhat broader coverage at a modest additional premium and are often worth the difference for Savannah's older housing stock.
Can sellers pay buyer closing costs in a Savannah real estate transaction?
Yes — seller concessions toward buyer closing costs are common in Savannah transactions and limited by loan type: FHA allows up to 6% of purchase price; VA up to 4%; conventional with less than 10% down allows up to 2%; conventional with 10%+ down allows up to 3–6%; USDA up to 6%. Seller concessions often make more sense for both parties than equivalent price reductions — they directly address the buyer's cash-at-closing constraint without affecting the appraised value in most cases. In Savannah's current market, requesting seller concessions is an accepted negotiating strategy, particularly for properties with extended days on market.
When do I pay property taxes in Chatham County?
Chatham County property tax bills are typically mailed in October or November and are due by December 31. The county bills in arrears — the fall 2026 bill covers the entire 2026 calendar year. At your closing, property taxes are prorated between buyer and seller: the seller pays their ownership portion (January 1 through closing date), and the buyer receives a credit at closing for that amount. The buyer then pays the full December tax bill, offset by the closing credit and by monthly escrow contributions collected by the lender. Mark December 31 as a firm annual deadline — late Chatham County property tax payments accrue interest and penalties.
Questions about the real costs of buying or selling in Savannah?
Property taxes, closing costs, homestead exemptions, and what you'll actually net at closing — these numbers matter, and they should be clear before you're at the closing table rather than after. Let's walk through the math specific to your situation.
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