Seller situation

Selling a vacant house before costs pile up

A vacant house keeps costing money — taxes, insurance, utilities and upkeep — and can face municipal vacancy rules. Before selling, confirm your insurance still covers a vacant property, secure it, check any local registration requirements, and then compare a sale's net result with your own figures.

Request a property review Discuss a possible sale

Insurance

Many policies change coverage when a home is vacant. Call your insurer.

Security and utilities

Keep it secured. Decide which utilities to keep on to prevent damage.

Local rules

Some municipalities have vacant property registration or maintenance rules. Ask the municipality.

Selling

A review can start from photos and records. Any proposal names buyer, role, terms and compensation in writing.

Vacant houses and taxes or liens

Owners of empty houses sometimes fall behind on taxes or water bills without noticing. Check balances before a review so the numbers you use are real.

Why vacancy changes the timeline

Empty houses can deteriorate quietly: a slow leak, a failed sump pump or a break-in may go unnoticed for weeks. Regular check-ins and photos give you a record of condition and help a review move faster. If the house is empty because an owner died or moved into care, see the inherited-house page about who has authority to sign.

Carrying costs to list (your own figures)
CostWhere to find it
Property taxTax bill
InsuranceYour policy
UtilitiesRecent bills
UpkeepYour receipts

Questions people ask

Is my vacant house still insured?

Ask your insurer; vacancy can change coverage.

Do I need to register a vacant property?

Check with your municipality.

Can you review it without me there?

Possibly, with your permission and access arrangements.

Should I keep the heat on?

Many owners do to avoid frozen pipes. Ask your insurer.

Related pages

Request a property review

Step 1 of 2. Official help on this page never requires this form.

Bar has more than 25 years in real estate across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

WorkWithBar is a private business. It is not a government agency, court, HUD- or PHFA-approved housing counselor or law firm, and it does not provide legal or credit-repair services. This intake does not establish a brokerage relationship. Any written proposal will disclose the buyer, their role, the terms and any compensation.

WorkWithBar is a private relationship and opportunity desk. It is not a lender, mortgage broker, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank, law firm, or guarantee of funding, investment, or introductions.

Educational information only, not legal advice. Sources checked 2026-11-01; this page has not been reviewed by a lawyer. Programs, phone numbers and dates change — confirm with the official office. Questions: Jabbar@workwithBar.com.