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)
Pennsylvania offers an extraordinarily diverse housing market, with Philadelphia's vibrant urban neighborhoods, Pittsburgh's revitalized tech-and-healthcare economy, and vast rural areas where century-old farmhouses are available for under $200,000. The state's two major metros have taken dramatically different trajectories — Philadelphia has experienced steady gentrification and appreciation, while Pittsburgh's tech-driven renaissance (Google, Uber, Carnegie Mellon) has transformed it from a declining industrial city into one of the most livable midsize metros in the nation. Pennsylvania requires an attorney at closing and follows a judicial foreclosure process. The state's real estate transfer tax is notable — 2% split between buyer and seller plus a 1% state tax, making it one of the higher transfer tax states.
By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: Zillow, HUD, Tax Foundation
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.
Check Your Credit Score & Finances
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Find a Real Estate Agent
Search for Homes & Make an Offer
Get a Home Inspection
Secure Your Financing
First-Time Buyer Programs in Pennsylvania
PHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program
Below-market rate mortgages with assistance
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 |
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. |
