Buying property in San Francisco: how it works

From offer to closing

After your offer is accepted, an escrow company holds the deposit and documents while inspections, disclosures, the appraisal and financing are completed. A title company checks and insures the title. At closing, the deed is recorded with the San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder at City Hall.

The San Francisco transfer tax

Transfer tax is due when a document transferring property, such as a deed, is recorded, together with a Transfer Tax Affidavit. The rate depends on the purchase price (or market value for legal-entity transfers): $2.50 for each $500 up to $250,000; $3.40 from $250,000 to under $1,000,000; $3.75 from $1,000,000 to under $5,000,000; $11.25 from $5,000,000 to under $10,000,000; $27.50 from $10,000,000 to under $25,000,000; and $30.00 at $25,000,000 or more (sf.gov, read on 21 October 2026). Who pays is set by your contract; ask your escrow officer.

Buying from abroad

Foreign nationals can buy property in California. When a foreign owner later sells, US tax rules (FIRPTA) generally require part of the sale price to be withheld. Take advice from a California real estate attorney and a tax adviser in both countries.

Where people buy

Buyers look at Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights for grand houses, Nob Hill and Russian Hill for views and city living, the Marina and Cow Hollow by the Bay, and the towers of the Embarcadero and Transbay for condos. See our neighbourhood guides and Property page; we don’t publish price estimates.

Questions and answers