Chester County Housing Construction Hits 20-Year High

WEST CHESTER, PA —More homes were built in Chester County in 2021 than in any year since 2001, primarily driven by apartment construction, according to a planning commission report issued Thursday.

The report also said more homes were sold in 2021 in the 759-square mile county than in any year since 2005.

“People and jobs continue to move to our county because it is a special place to live and work,” Marian Moskowitz, county chairwoman, said. “That means the private market continues to build, especially apartments in developed suburban growth centers like Exton, West Chester and along the Route 202 corridor, to meet the demand.”

A total of 3,743 homes were built in 2021, with apartments accounting for 1,963 of that total.

That figure represents more than a threefold increase in the number of apartments built in the previous year.

Moskowtiz said the only damper on this otherwise positive report is that Chester County is not producing enough housing for those with modest incomes.

Housing prices rise

The median home sale price continued to rise, reaching $420,000 in 2021.

The 2021 median sales price was the highest, adjusting for inflation, since the county began collecting housing data.

Only 15% of homes sold in the county last year were considered "affordably priced" at under $250,000.

“While this report makes clear that demand to live in Chester County is driving both the apartment market and home sales, it also reflects the fact that our current housing stock does not offer a sufficient diversity of options,” Commissioner Josh Maxwell said.

“We must encourage opportunities for first-time homebuyers and housing near public transportation.”

The median sale price for detached units jumped by approximately 16% to $475,000 in 2021, while the median sale price for townhomes and twins also increased significantly, rising by nearly 18% to $369,000.

“We know the pandemic changed many people’s minds on the style of home they wanted, and what they wanted was more space, especially when they had to, or chose to, work from home,” Commissioner Michelle Kichline said.

2022 Priority: more lower-income housing

Kichline said while values are rising, Chester County does not have areas in the county where families can still find a moderately-priced home.

According to the report, the lower cost home sales were largely in the Phoenixville, East Goshen, Coatesville, and Downingtown/Exton areas.

The highest priced sales predominantly occurred in Tredyffrin, Easttown and Willistown townships.

Tredyffrin Township had the widest range of home sale prices for the second consecutive year.

Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary said he expects to see new construction and sales continue through 2022.

“We might begin to see activity slow down a bit in 2023, especially with the increased cost of construction,” he said. “Developing more housing that would be attainable by lower-income households remains a priority for the county.”

Data for the report is provided by the Chester County Assessment Office. The report is available at www.chescoplanning.org/Housing/HousingReport-21.cfm.