Sell Your House in Swarthmore Borough, PA
Prefer to talk? Call (302) 525-0787 or send a text.
What does it cost to sell a house in Swarthmore Borough?
Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax is 1% to the state plus local tax. In Swarthmore Borough the local share is 1% (source) (2026 data), for 2% in all. By local custom it's usually split evenly between buyer and seller, but the agreement of sale decides. Run your own numbers with the Pennsylvania transfer tax calculator.
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (state) | 1% |
| Local (municipality + school district) | 1% |
| Total | 2% |
| Sale price | Total transfer tax | Seller's half |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| $300,000 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| $450,000 | $9,000 | $4,500 |
When Silverside buys your house, we pay all closing costs, including your share of the transfer tax, and the written offer shows every line.
Does Swarthmore Borough require a resale or U&O inspection?
Yes. Swarthmore Borough requires a municipal resale, pre-sale or use-and-occupancy (U&O) certificate before a home sale settles (source). The published fee is $100 per unit (borough U&O application, 2024). Order it early: if the inspection finds violations, many towns issue a temporary or conditional certificate that lets an as-is buyer take on the repairs, which is how we usually close.
Separately, many Delaware County and Chester County, PA municipalities and sewer authorities require a sewer lateral or cross-connection inspection when a house on public sewer changes hands. Ask the municipality when you list or sign.
About Swarthmore Borough
- Population 6,543 (2020 Census) (source).
- School district: Wallingford-Swarthmore School District.
- ZIP code: 19081.
- Swarthmore is home to Swarthmore College, whose campus makes up about a third of the borough's land. (source)
- The borough was originally named Westdale in honor of painter Benjamin West, whose birthplace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (source)
Behind on payments in Swarthmore Borough?
Delaware County sheriff sales are held in Media on the third Friday of each month. Our Delaware County sheriff sale guide covers the schedule and every way to stop or get ahead of a sale.
Get options for your Swarthmore Borough house
No repairs, no commissions, no obligation. Pick your own closing date.
Get My Written Offer Call (302) 525-0787Frequently asked questions
What is the transfer tax when you sell a house in Swarthmore Borough?
2% of the price: 1% to Pennsylvania and 1% local. It's usually split evenly, so a seller's half on a $300,000 sale is about $3,000.
Do I need a U&O or resale certificate to sell in Swarthmore Borough?
Yes. Swarthmore Borough requires one before settlement.
Do you buy houses in Swarthmore Borough as-is?
Yes. We buy as-is, take on the inspection items where the town allows a conditional certificate, and pay all closing costs, including your share of the transfer tax.
Sources
- delcopa.gov/recorder-deeds/transfer-taxes
- swarthmorepa.org/DocumentCenter/View/2780/Swarthmore-UO-2024
- www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Penn
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarthmore
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm your situation with a Pennsylvania attorney. Rates and local rules change; confirm with the municipality or your title company.
