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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Pennsylvania

A typical home in Pennsylvania is worth $254,500 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$630,200 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
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Typical home
$254,500
median value, Average 2020–2024
24% less than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$630,200
one unit, by county
In 5 of the 67 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
up to $1,209,750 in high-cost areas
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$8,908
3.5% of a $254,500 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $254,500 home, the typical value in Pennsylvania. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $254,500 home in Pennsylvania

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$8,908

    Per month$1,664

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$7,635

    Per month$1,672

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,724

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,724

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$38,175

    Per month$1,465

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every county

FHA sets the limit by area: 5 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Pennsylvania programs for buyers

4 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all 4 programs

What the state publishes

Pennsylvania rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Pennsylvania

Exemptions and caps

  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR)

    Older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older, homeowners or renters, can receive a rebate of $380 to $1,000 based on income; some qualify for a supplement. You apply each year to the Department of Revenue; Spanish materials are available.

    Pennsylvania Department of Revenue · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Homestead exclusion from school property tax (apply by March 1)

    Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the State sends school districts funds to lower the property tax on owner-occupied homes: each home's assessed value is reduced by the same amount before the tax is computed. Only a primary residence qualifies. You apply by the preceding March 1; ask your county assessment office for the form.

    Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of Special Session 1 of 2006 · Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) · Verified October 31, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • State realty transfer tax (1 percent) plus local tax

    The State charges 1 percent of the value of real estate transferred by deed; buyer and seller are jointly liable, though in practice they often split it. County recorders of deeds also collect a local realty transfer tax (in most places another 1 percent; each locality sets it).

    72 P.S. §8102-C · Pennsylvania Department of Revenue · Verified October 23, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Pennsylvania

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Pennsylvania calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    75 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 32 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Pennsylvania?

For a $254,500 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $8,908 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $7,635. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Pennsylvania?

Yes. In 2026 data, 5 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Chester County ($630,200).

What is the conforming loan limit in Pennsylvania?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit runs from $832,750 to $1,209,750 depending on the county in Pennsylvania: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Pennsylvania?

With $254,500, the FHA minimum down payment ($8,908) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $1,664 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Pennsylvania?

We have verified 4 state programs in Pennsylvania that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.