Pennsylvania taxes property sales through its realty transfer tax, does not require an attorney at closing and requires a seller disclosure form. It forecloses through the courts and is not a community property state.
Pennsylvania in short
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax is 1% of the value of the property, and counties and municipalities add a local tax. Philadelphia adds 3.578% for a total of 4.578%. Both buyer and seller are liable to the state, and in Philadelphia the tax is usually split evenly.
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
What closing costs does Pennsylvania law set?
Pennsylvania has no official typical closing-cost total. The realty transfer tax is 1% to the state plus local tax, 4.578% in Philadelphia ($11,610 on $253,600), usually split between buyer and seller, and Philadelphia charges $278.75 to record a deed.
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
How is property tax calculated in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's property tax is local, set by the county, municipality and school district. In Philadelphia the 2025 rate is 1.3998% of assessed value, and the Homestead Exemption removes $100,000 of assessed value, saving most owners up to $1,399 a year.
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
What is the deadline to appeal a property tax assessment in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania outside Philadelphia, appeal to the county board of assessment appeals by September 1 (or the county's date, no earlier than August 1. 40 days from a changed-assessment notice), and in Philadelphia appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes by the first Monday in October.
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Pennsylvania?
In the Pennsylvania statutes and rules read, no law requires an attorney to close a home sale. Closings are commonly run by title insurance agents who hold a certificate of qualification from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (Insurance Company Law of 1921, 724.1).
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
What must a home seller disclose in Pennsylvania?
A Pennsylvania seller must give the buyer a signed, dated property disclosure statement before both sides sign the agreement of transfer (68 Pa.C.S. 7303). A buyer who proves a willful or negligent violation can recover actual damages if suing within 2 years after final settlement.
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
How does foreclosure work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania foreclosure is judicial: the lender files a civil action in court, after sending an Act 91 notice giving the homeowner 30 days plus 3 for mailing to meet a consumer credit counselor, and the borrower must be at least 60 days behind.
Full Pennsylvania guide · Compare all 50 states
What first-time home buyer programs does Pennsylvania offer?
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers a Keystone Advantage Assistance loan of up to 4% of the price or $6,000, whichever is less, and a K-FIT loan of 5% of the price or value forgiven over ten years.
Pennsylvania guides
- Closing costs in Pennsylvania: what buyers and sellers pay
- Pennsylvania realty transfer tax: 1% state, 4.578% in Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania property tax: rates, relief and appeals
- Pennsylvania seller disclosure: what sellers must tell buyers
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania foreclosure process: timeline, notices and help
- Home prices in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia: value and trend
- First-time buyer programs in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia
- How to verify a real estate license in Pennsylvania