Money · December 11, 2025

Chester County Property Taxes and the Homestead Exclusion

Property tax questions come up in almost every Kennett Square transaction, usually because a buyer assumes the bill will match the seller's.

Real estate agent reviewing Kennett Square market reports with clients — Real comparable sales, walked through line by line.

Assessment is not sale price

Chester County taxes are calculated on an assessed value tied to a countywide base year, not to what you paid. A sale does not automatically reassess the property.

Buyers receiving keys on the front porch of a Kennett Square home — Getting to the keys is the easy part when the first steps are done right.

Three millage rates

County, municipality (Borough or Kennett Township) and Kennett Consolidated School District each set their own rate, and the school district is typically the largest share.

Updated farmhouse kitchen in a Kennett Square area home — Kitchens move the needle most on value in the 19348 market.

Homestead and farmstead exclusion

Owner-occupants can apply through Chester County for an exclusion that reduces the school tax portion. Applications have deadlines, so file after you close rather than next year.

More Kennett Square guides

10 Things That Can Make a Kennett Square Home Harder to Sell Places to Eat in Kennett Square: A Local's Guide to the Best Restaurants Moving to Kennett Square: A Complete Guide Kennett Square Borough vs Kennett Township: Which Should You Buy In?Best Neighborhoods in Kennett Square Home Prices in Kennett Square: How to Read the Market

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