Free Pittsburgh Condo Buyer’s Checklist

Buying a condo or townhome in the Pittsburgh area has a few extra steps compared with a house: the lender reviews the building as well as you, the association’s documents become part of the deal, and the monthly fee is part of your budget. Our free 9-page checklist walks you through every step in order.

Free download: The Ultimate Pittsburgh Condo Buyer's Checklist

Get the free The Ultimate Pittsburgh Condo Buyer's Checklist

Every step from budget to keys, with Pennsylvania resale-certificate rules, Pittsburgh closing costs and the questions to ask before you buy. Enter your name and email and the PDF is ready right away.

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What’s Inside

  • Pittsburgh condo prices, fees and days on market, city vs. suburbs
  • Your all-in monthly budget, with typical fees by building type
  • Closing costs, including the 5% City of Pittsburgh transfer tax
  • Pre-approval and condo loan options, from FHA to jumbo
  • The questions to ask about every building
  • Your Pennsylvania resale certificate and 5-day review window
  • Inspection, appraisal and settlement checklists

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before buying a condo in Pittsburgh?

Review the declaration, bylaws, rules, budget, reserves, recent minutes, the master insurance policy and any special assessments. In Pennsylvania, the resale certificate summarizes the fee, approved capital projects, reserves and pending suits, and you can cancel within five days after you receive it.

How much are closing costs on a Pittsburgh condo?

Plan for your share of the realty transfer tax (5% total in the City of Pittsburgh and usually 2% in the suburbs, commonly split between buyer and seller), the association’s capital contribution if any, prorated taxes and fees, title insurance and lender costs.

Is it harder to get a mortgage on a condo?

It can be, because the lender also reviews the condo project’s budget, reserves, insurance, owner-occupancy and litigation. FHA and VA loans need an approved project. Get pre-approved with the condo fee included and have your lender check the building early.

How long do I have to review condo documents in Pennsylvania?

You can cancel the agreement until the resale certificate is provided and for five days afterward, or until settlement, whichever comes first. The association has 10 days to provide the certificate after the seller asks.

What’s the median condo price in the Pittsburgh area?

Across the 30 areas we track, the median condo or HOA townhome sold for about $323,750 in the 12 months ending October 2026, with a median reported fee of about $278 a month.

More Free Pittsburgh Condo Guides

Free download: 2027 Pittsburgh Condo Community Guide
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All 280 Pittsburgh-area condo and townhome communities we track, region by region, with recent sale prices, condo fees, area guides, Pennsylvania buying rules and financing.
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Free download: The Condo HOA Playbook
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How Pittsburgh condo associations work: fees, budgets, reserves, the Pennsylvania resale certificate, red flags and the questions to ask.
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Free download: Condo vs. Single-Family Home: Pittsburgh Decision Matrix
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Pittsburgh condo and house prices side by side, area by area, with a monthly cost comparison and a decision matrix.
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Free download: The Downsizing Blueprint
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A step-by-step plan for moving from the family home to a Pittsburgh condo: timing, costs, one-level communities and decluttering.
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Free download: The Investor's Guide to Pittsburgh Condo Rentals
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Free download: The Pittsburgh Pet-Friendly Condo Directory
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Pittsburgh-area condo communities where listings reported pets allowed, how pet rules work and the dog parks nearby.
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Free download: Condo Seller's Prep and Staging Guide
Condo Seller's Prep and Staging Guide
How to price, prepare, stage and sell a Pittsburgh condo, with the resale certificate, disclosures, transfer tax and a room-by-room list.
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Questions? Call the My Pittsburgh Condo team at (724) 933-8500 or contact us.

Market figures: West Penn MLS closed sales and leases, November 2025 to October 2026. General information, not legal, tax or lending advice.