Beyond the price and down payment, budget for property tax, insurance (including flood where needed), any HOA dues, and closing costs like attorney and title fees. Property tax is the big variable: inside the City of Charleston, 2025 millage was 298.1 mills, about 1.19% of value per year for a primary home taxed at 4%, or about 1.79% at 6%, before credits and exemptions. Use the calculator below for a real monthly number.
In short: Beyond price and down payment, budget for property tax, insurance (including flood where needed), HOA dues, and closing costs like attorney and title fees. Inside the City of Charleston, 2025 millage was 298.1 mills — about 1.19% of value per year for a primary home taxed at 4%, or 1.79% at 6%. Use the calculator on the page.
True monthly cost calculator
Tax uses the 2025 City of Charleston combined millage (298.1). Unincorporated parts of West Ashley are in other tax districts. This is an estimate, not a loan quote or tax bill.
Every fee, and who sets it
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SC deed recording fee ("deed stamps") | $1.85 per $500 of value ($3.70 per $1,000): $2.60 state + $1.10 county per $1,000. Who pays is set by your contract. | SC DOR |
| Deed recording | $15 | Charleston County ROD |
| Mortgage recording | $25 | Charleston County ROD |
| Property tax, primary home | Value × 4% × 298.1 mills (City of Charleston, 2025) ≈ 1.19% of value per year, before credits. You must apply for the 4% rate. | 2025 millage card |
| Property tax, second home or rental | Value × 6% × 298.1 mills ≈ 1.79% of value per year, before credits | 2025 millage card |
| Closing attorney | Varies by firm. South Carolina closings are handled by attorneys; ask for an itemized quote. | Your closing attorney |
| Title insurance (owner's and lender's) | Based on price and loan amount; get a written quote | Your attorney or title insurer |
| Flood insurance | Priced per property under FEMA's current NFIP rating; required by lenders in high-risk zones | Flood guide |
| Vehicle property tax | Charleston County assesses personal vehicles at 6% and bills yearly | Charleston County |
Ledger last verified October 14, 2026. Rates change; confirm every number with your closing attorney and the county before you sign. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Common questions
How much are closing costs in West Ashley?
They depend on the price, loan and attorney. Known fixed items include the SC deed recording fee ($3.70 per $1,000), $15 to record a deed and $25 to record a mortgage in Charleston County, plus attorney, title, lender and prepaid items.
What is the property tax rate in West Ashley?
Inside the City of Charleston, 2025 millage was 298.1 mills. At the 4% primary-residence ratio that's about 1.19% of value per year before credits; at 6% it's about 1.79%. Unincorporated areas use different districts.
Who pays the deed stamps in South Carolina?
State law sets the rate ($1.85 per $500); who pays is set by the purchase contract. Check yours with your closing attorney.
Michael JagerCharleston-born REALTOR® with eXp Realty, working with buyers and sellers in West Ashley and across the Charleston area. SC license #125890. About Michael · Verify my license