What to Know Before Selling a House in Westchester or the Bronx
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Selling a single-family house in Westchester or the Bronx follows a similar process, pricing, staging, marketing, and negotiation, but the closing costs differ in one key way. Bronx sales fall under New York City's transfer tax rules, while Westchester sales do not. Knowing which rules apply to your sale affects your net proceeds from day one.
The Key Difference: NYC Transfer Tax vs. Westchester
Riverdale is part of the Bronx, one of New York City's five boroughs, so Riverdale sellers pay the same combined NYC and New York State transfer taxes as sellers in Manhattan, 1.4% to just over 2% of the sale price depending on price tier. See the full NYC transfer tax breakdown in our cost to sell a home in NYC guide. Westchester County sales, including Yonkers, Colonial Heights, Bronxville, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, and Hartsdale, are outside New York City and are not subject to NYC transfer tax. Only the New York State transfer tax applies, 0.4% of the sale price, rising to 0.65% on sales of $3,000,000 or more. The mansion tax applies statewide to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, but it's a buyer's cost in both Westchester and the Bronx.
Typical Timeline for a House Sale
Pre-listing preparation typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Active listing periods usually run 3 to 8 weeks depending on pricing and condition. Offer to signed contract takes 1 to 2 weeks, and contract to closing typically runs 30 to 60 days for a house, whether in Westchester or the Bronx.
What This Means for Sellers in Yonkers, Bronxville, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, Hartsdale, and Riverdale
Each of these markets has its own buyer pool and pricing dynamics, from Scarsdale's premium single-family demand to Riverdale's mix of co-ops and houses drawing city buyers looking for more space. Pricing strategy should reflect the specific market you're in, not a one-size-fits-all Westchester or Bronx number. Check your Yonkers home value or Bronxville home value for a neighborhood-specific estimate.
Preparing Your Home for a Faster Sale
- Price to current comparable sales, not to what you originally paid or a past refinance appraisal.
- Address visible deferred maintenance before listing photos are taken.
- Declutter and depersonalize rooms so buyers can picture their own furniture.
- Invest in professional photography, since it's the first impression for the vast majority of buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rafael Barbosa is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with COMPASS and has 14+ years of experience representing sellers in Upper Manhattan, Riverdale, Yonkers, Scarsdale, Bronxville, and the surrounding Westchester communities. Reach Rafael at rafael@compass.com, (914) 430-0440, or through the contact page to discuss your home sale. For current market data, visit the Market Insights page.
