If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Chester City, PA, there’s an important regulatory update you should know about. As of June 26, 2025, the Chester City Council officially repealed the requirement for a pre-sale inspection on residential properties.

What Does This Mean for Home Sellers and Buyers?

Homeowners in Chester City no longer need to schedule or pass a city-mandated pre-sale inspection before selling their property. This change can simplify the selling process and reduce upfront costs for sellers, while allowing buyers more flexibility in choosing their own inspectors.

What About Rentals and Commercial Properties?

While pre-sale inspections for residential properties are no longer required, rental properties in Chester City must still be registered and inspected. Landlords should continue to complete the rental registration application to stay compliant.

Commercial property owners and buyers should also note that use and occupancy permits are still required for non-residential properties.

Why the Change?

The decision to remove the pre-sale inspection requirement is part of Chester City’s efforts to streamline real estate transactions and encourage more property sales in the area.

What This Means for Chester’s Real Estate Market

Eliminating the pre-sale inspection requirement may help attract more sellers to list their homes and make transactions move faster. For buyers, it emphasizes the importance of hiring a qualified home inspector to ensure the property’s condition before closing.

For the most current details and forms, visit the City of Chester website.

Source: City of Chester, July 2025