Around the Block: 6/13/25

Philly’s New Budget, Witty takes, can’t-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings – by Jeff “City” Block

Blog Copy of JCB 6/13/25 | ATB

6/13/25

Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block

Philly's New Budget

Hi Readers,

 

Today, a quick summary of Philly’s new budget that City Council just passed 15 votes to 1.

 

The biggest change that will affect real estate buyers and sellers is the increase in Philly’s already astronomically high transfer tax on real property. This tax is customarily split evenly by the buyer and seller in every real estate transaction in the city. Including the state’s 1% charge for its portion of the transfer tax, the Philly transfer tax currently stands at 4.278% or 2.139% per side. With the new budget increase, it will be 4.578% or 2.289% per side. On a $750,000 home, this change will add $1,125 to each party’s closing costs.

 

On the bright side for all Philly property owners is that the city is not raising the annual property tax rate for 2026. It will remain at 1.3998%, and since the 2026 property valuation assessments are expected to stay the same, the vast majority of Philly property owners will see no increase in their 2026 property tax bill compared to 2025 (the Homestead Exemption will also remain at $100,000).

 

The budget includes Mayor Parker’s $800,000,000 bond initiative to fund multiple affordable housing, housing repair, and other housing initiatives over the coming five years. Overall, the goal is to build or repair about 30,000 homes.

 

The budget includes some minutely incremental reductions to Philly’s wage tax and Business Income & Receipts Tax (the dreaded BIRT). The changes are so small as to be virtually de minimis. The BIRT tax is a city business and revenue killer. Simply bad policy. But do not fret, the City does plan to materially reduce the BIRT—by 2039!!!!!

 

And to make matters worse for small businesses, the city eighty-sixed a vital tax break for small businesses. It exempted the first $100,000 in gross revenue from the BIRT, which meant that Philly’s smallest businesses were de facto exempt from the tax. Sadly, the city faced a lawsuit regarding the validity of this tax break under the PA constitution, and did away with the tax break entirely. This is bad news for Philly’s “mom & pops,” makers, and other small businesses that are bringing in smaller amounts of gross revenue.

 

This budget just passed yesterday and takes effect July 1st. That is when the new transfer tax increase takes effect as well.

 

Have a great weekend, Happy Father’s Day, and be prepared for traffic and road closures tomorrow.

 

Warm regards,

 

 

Jeff

 

 


Please contact Jeff for information and property addresses for all Private Exclusive Listings


Spotlight Property

University City - NEW Price!

Open house: Sunday 3:00 - 4:30!

526 S 46th Street

6 BD | 3 BA | 3785 SF | $1,140,000

The finest of University City Homes. Let’s check the boxes: Penn Alexander Catchment? Of Course. A 21’ wide, beautifully landscaped extra side lot (plus an additional rear deck and yard). This home has just about as large an outdoor space as you can find in the city. And note that while this home and its outdoor space have all the light and openness of a corner property, it is not on a corner, so you gain maximum privacy that is not otherwise available to other city homes. Not only does the expansive side yard separate this home from the adjacent homes, but it also borders the rear yards of those homes for even more space between properties.


All of this open space is on the southern face, so enjoy a wall of large south facing windows, plus dramatic eastern and western light throughout the day. Exquisite original woodwork throughout. A rare chance to enjoy both ornate Victorian woodwork and spectacular brightness throughout. Other character includes high ceilings on all three floors, hardwood floors with ornate inlaid detail, significant original stained and leaded glass, exposed brick and beams, repurposed marble bathroom countertops, original doors and original windows (all working, with storms). Plus multiple window seats in various spots throughout the home.


6 bedrooms plus a large family room, plus another family room. 3 full baths. Lovely sun room. Separate Dining Room. Spacious, renovated, and bright kitchen with tons of windows and superb storage. Extended eating bar. Exposed Brick. Lovely Garden Views.


The finished lower level is half above grade for tons of natural light plus a separate entrance. This space is perfect for a LEGAL Airbnb, in-law suite, guest suite, professional office, or family space and home office. Includes one bedroom, one full bath, living/dining area, and a kitchenette (included in the bedroom/bath count above).


Fully rewired by Gen3. No knob & tube. Dimmers. Radiator heat and high-velocity central air (no central air in basement and first floor front, which all stay cool). Beautiful lighting fixtures throughout. Some original to this c. 1908 Georgian-style home and some added by current owner. Excellent storage throughout. Plentiful permitted street parking on the block.


Located on a wonderful tree-lined block in the PENN ALEXANDER CATCHMENT. An ideal location—Easy walk to Clark Park and its fabulous Farmers' Market, Knockbox Cafe, ReAnimator Coffee, Baltimore Avenue's Restaurant Row (so many places to eat), University City Swim Club, Penn Alexander Catchment School, Don Barriga Mexican Grill, Doro Bet, Gojjo, Clarkville, Green Line, TacoTaco Mexican, Local 44 and the Bottle Shop, CVS, and so many coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping. Close to HUP, CHOP, Penn, Drexel, UCity Tech/Science Corridor. 12 minutes to Center City by car or bike and plenty of convenient SEPTA options.

Featured Listings

West Mount Airy

116 W Mt Pleasant Avenue

6 BD | 4.5 BA | 4250 SF | $1,525,000

University City

4518 Walnut Street

8 BD | 3.5 BA | 4300 SF | $1,045,000

University City

PENDING!

429 S 45th Street

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2958 SF | $929,000

University City

New Price!

526 S 46th Street

6 BD | 3 BA | 3785 SF | $1,140,000

University City

New Price!

251 S 46th Street

7 BD | 3.5 BA | 3557 SF | $920,000

University City - triplex

COMING SOON!

4419 Baltimore Avenue

7 BD | 4 BA | 3496 SF | $860,000

University City

BRAND NEW LISTING!

424 S 44th Street

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 3100 SF | $850,000

Ludlow - Duplex

Brand new listing!

1302 N Marshall Street

6 BD | 5 BA | 2615 SF | $795,000

Rittenhouse

1710-12 Locust Street

7 BD | 8 BA | 9500 SF | $4,750,000

Albany Township/Berks County

333 New Bethel Church Road

6 BD | 4.5 BA | 2507 SF | $1,690,000

University City

4517 Springfield Avenue

6 BD | 4 BA | 2500 SF | $695,000

Graduate Hospital

2434 Carpenter Street

3 BD | 3 BA | 2029 SF | $620,000

Queen Village

PENDING!

945 S 3rd Street

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2500 SF | $625,000

University City

New Price!

818 S 49th Street

5 BD | 3 BA | 2805 SF | $639,000

University City

Brand new listing!

4957 Pine Street

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 2356 SF | $599,000

University City - Triplex

Brand new listing!

4947 Catharine Street

6 BD | 3 BA | 3081 SF | $599,000

University City

Brand New Listing

5015 Osage Avenue

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1700 SF | $549,000

Society HILL

new Price!

408 S 7th Street

2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1100 SF | $525,000

University City

Pending!

5040 Larchwood Avenue

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1700 SF | $525,000

East Oak Lane

Brand new listing!

6607 N 13th Street

5 BD | 2 BA | 2300 SF | $430,000

Fox Chase

709 Chandler Street

3 BD | 2 BA | 1600 SF | $445,000

University City - Duplex

1259 S 46th Street

4 BD | 2 BA | 1600 SF | $400,000

Graduate Hospital

1704 Webster Street

2 BD | 1 BA | 874 SF | $389,000

Cobbs Creek

NEW PRICE!

5542 Larchwood Avenue

22 Property Portfolio | $2,860,000

Southwest Schuylkill

Brand new listing!

4734 Upland Street

3 BD | 1 BA | 1260 SF | $315,000

Cobbs Creek

PENDING!

5553 Hazel Avenue

3 BD | 1.2 BA | 1950 SF | $340,000

Fairmount-Art Museum

2601 Pennsylvania Ave #952

2 BD | 1 BA | 958 SF | $265,000

Cobbs Creek

Brand new listing!

5717 Addison Street

3 BD | 1.5 BA | 1140 SF | $195,000

Logan Square

Pending!

1900 John F Kennedy Blvd #806

1 BD | 1 BA | 750 SF | $140,000

Cobbs Creek

Pending!

5745 Addison Street

3 BD | 1.5 BA | 1140 SF | $189,900

Know Someone Looking to Buy or Sell?

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.


Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.


Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via visitphilly.com and Canva.

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