How to Buy a House in Pennsylvania
Updated 2026-03-02 | Data from Zillow, HUD, Tax Foundation
Avg Home Price
$286,397
Closing Costs
$16,192
5.65% of price
Property Tax Rate
1.19%
$3,210/yr median
Days on Market
35
Median
FHA Loan Limit
$472,030
Attorney Required
Yes
Foreclosure Type
Judicial
Transfer Tax
2%
1% (each party)
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Key Facts About Buying in Pennsylvania
- ✓High transfer tax at 2% total (1% each party)
- ✓Attorney required at closing
- ✓No general homestead exemption
- ✓Judicial foreclosure state
The Home Buying Process in Pennsylvania
Buying a home in Pennsylvania follows a 10-step process. As an attorney state, you'll need legal representation at closing.
1
Check Your Credit Score & Finances
2
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
3
Find a Real Estate Agent
4
Search for Homes & Make an Offer
5
Get a Home Inspection
6
Secure Your Financing
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First-Time Buyer Programs in Pennsylvania
PHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program
Below-market rate mortgages with assistance
Below-market rates + up to $10,000 DPAIncome: Varies by county
Cost of Buying a Home in Pennsylvania
| Down Payment (3.5% FHA) | $10,024 |
| Down Payment (20% Conventional) | $57,279 |
| Average Closing Costs | $16,192 |
| Transfer Tax | $5,728 |
| Annual Property Tax (est.) | $3,408/yr |
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Legal & Regulatory Details in Pennsylvania
Homestead Exemption
Not Available
Licensing Authority
Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission
Pennsylvania Real Estate Law Overview
| Conveyance Document | Special-warranty or general-warranty deed |
| Security Instrument | Mortgage |
| Foreclosure Process | Judicial |
| Attorney Required at Closing | Yes |
| Deficiency Judgment | Yes |
| Redemption After Sale | No |
| Reinstatement Available | Yes |
| Seller Disclosures | Sellers must disclose known material defects not obvious to buyers-structural issues, water/sewage problems, pest infestations, environmental hazards, conditions of systems and appliances, title issues and legal restrictions. Psychologically impactful events need not be disclosed. |
