2026 taxable assessment $168,300 × 1.3998%. Estimate—not a bill or account balance.
OPA also publishes a 2027 assessment of $162,100; it is not the 2026 billed-year value.
House report
1957 Sparks St
3 bd · 1 ba · 2 stories · 1,180 sqft · RSA5 · built 1925
Owner-occupancy signal · assessed $168K (2026) · 2027 OPA assessment $162K · sold 3×. On the 1900 block of Sparks St.
BlockReport AI · cited public records
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Property summary
Assessment$168,3002026 OPA assessment · 2027: $162,100
Last sale$84KRecorded 2011
Est. tax bill$2,356/year2026 taxable assessment × 1.3998%
Tax delinquencyNo 2022 matchNot proof account is current
Permits4Every fetched City permit
Violations0 open12 historical across 5 cases
“Open” reflects records available then historical records keep their source dates estimates are labeled
Question or correct this record
BlockReport can explain a discrepancy, but it cannot rewrite an official City record. Use the agency that owns the underlying fact:
Property tax
The estimate, live balance, and back-tax record are different.
BlockReport can calculate the annual tax from the City’s taxable assessment. Payments, credits, interest, and a current amount due live separately in Philadelphia Tax Center.
A Tax Center balance is net of bills, payments, credits, interest, and adjustments. A credit—or an amount due—is not automatically “back taxes.”
OPA 1712819002026 taxable assessment equals the full assessed value.
Historical delinquency sources No current conclusion
This parcel did not match the June 2022 delinquency snapshot. That absence does not confirm the account is current today.
For a purchase, refinance, or closing, request the City’s official Property Payoff statement in Tax Center under “More options.”
What stands out
From the public recordPermit between transfers
Record summary$57K transfer in 2010; major alteration permit in 2010; $84K transfer in 2011 (+47% between recorded amounts).
View supporting records →What to do with this
The record, translated into moves — what a buyer, the owner, and a landlord would each want to check next under Philadelphia's actual rules.
If you’re buying
Built 1925: lead rules apply
Federal law requires a lead-paint disclosure at sale for any pre-1978 home. If it will be rented, Philadelphia also requires a lead-safe or lead-free certificate before a rental license can issue.
Zoned RSA5: one household by right
Single-family rowhouse (the classic Philly row). Converting to a duplex or apartments needs a use variance the zoning board rarely grants — Pennsylvania courts require a physical hardship of the lot itself, and economics alone do not qualify.
If you own it
$1,399/yr may be unclaimed
This home reads owner-occupied but shows no Homestead Exemption, which removes $100,000 from the taxable assessment (worth up to $1,399/yr). Applying through the City is free and takes minutes.
Derived from the fetched property records and linked City guidance as of 2026. Assessment treatment is not a substitute for an exemption approval, live balance, title report, license, occupancy certificate, or inspection. Informational only — not legal, tax, or investment advice.
Assessment and tax history
Every fetched annual City assessment for this house, compared with its block and ZIP. The figures show assessment change, the billed-year tax estimate, dated tax records, and recorded transfers. They do not estimate market appreciation or investment return.
Assessed value
$168,300
2026 billed-year assessment · 2027: $162,100 · built 1925
Price / sq ft
$137
block $137 · in line w/ block
Assessment change
+46%
+4%/yr since 2016 · 2027 -4% vs 2026
Est. tax bill / yr
$2,356
1.4% effective
Jun 2022 tax snapshot
No match
not proof the account is current
Times sold
3
Assessment vs. the block and ZIP · every dated City record marked on the line
- OPA assessment · 2016$111K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2017$111K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2018$111K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2019$98K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2020$94K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2021$94K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2022$94K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2023$128K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2024$128K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2025$168K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2026$168K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- OPA assessment · 2027$162K assessed valueOPA’s value on the City tax roll for that year. It is not an appraisal, listing price, sale price, or live tax balance.How Philadelphia property assessments work ↗
- Deed / sale · 2010Deed / sale $57KA recorded real-estate document or transfer event. The amount and date can be useful history, but the underlying deed and transfer-tax filing control the parties, consideration, and legal effect.How to read the recorded document ↗
- Deed / sale · 2010Deed / sale $23KA recorded real-estate document or transfer event. The amount and date can be useful history, but the underlying deed and transfer-tax filing control the parties, consideration, and legal effect.How to read the recorded document ↗
- Deed / sale · 2011Deed / sale $84KA recorded real-estate document or transfer event. The amount and date can be useful history, but the underlying deed and transfer-tax filing control the parties, consideration, and legal effect.How to read the recorded document ↗
- Permit · 2010-04-14Major alterationA broad legacy permit work category for a substantial building alteration. It can include changed layouts, partitions, fixtures, finishes, structural work, or occupancy-related work, but only the approved scope and plans say what this permit actually authorized; separate trade permits may be required.What Philadelphia building permits can cover ↗
- Permit · 2010-07-16PlumbingThis permit category usually covers water, drainage, fixtures, or other plumbing work. The approved scope—not the short category—defines what was authorized, and issuance alone does not prove completion.Philadelphia construction and repair permits ↗
- Permit · 2010-07-29ElectricalThis permit category usually covers electrical installation, alteration, replacement, or repair. The approved scope—not the short category—defines what was authorized, and issuance alone does not prove completion.Philadelphia construction and repair permits ↗
- Permit · 2010-08-04MechanicalThis permit category usually covers construction, repair, alteration, addition, or occupancy work. The approved scope—not the short category—defines what was authorized, and issuance alone does not prove completion.Philadelphia construction and repair permits ↗
- L&I violation · 2007-01-07WALL PARTIALLY COLLAPSEDA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2007-01-07VACANT BLDG UNSEC/UNSAFE CSUA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2007-01-07ROOF DETERIORATEDA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- Inspection · 2007-01-07CSUINITIALA dated L&I visit or review. Its type describes the inspection program; the separate result and later rows show whether that visit passed, failed, or led to follow-up.What Philadelphia inspections check ↗
- L&I violation · 2007-06-19PROSEC- STD INFO (likely: Standard enforcement or prosecution notice)Legacy L&I shorthand; the case notice contains the actual required correction and deadlines.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2007-06-19LICENSE-VAC RES BLDG (vacant residential building license required)This usually records a requirement to obtain a Vacant Structure License for an unoccupied residential building. Check later license and compliance rows because it does not establish present vacancy or an unresolved violation.How the City licenses vacant residential property ↗
- L&I violation · 2007-06-19VACANT PROP STANDARD (likely: vacant-property enforcement standard)A legacy L&I label associated with vacant-property requirements. It may concern licensing, securing, or maintaining a vacant structure; the notice and cited code control, and this row alone does not prove the property is vacant now.Read Philadelphia Code §9-3905 ↗
- L&I violation · 2018-05-02HIGH WEEDS-CUTA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2018-05-02CLIP VIOLATION NOTICEA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2019-04-23CLIP VIOLATION NOTICEA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2019-04-23HIGH WEEDS-CUTA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2024-04-25RUBBISH & GARBAGEA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- L&I violation · 2024-04-25EXTERIOR AREA WEEDSA dated L&I enforcement row. Read the cited code, required correction, status, and later inspections together; the title alone does not establish the property’s current condition.How L&I violations and orders work ↗
- Inspection · 2007-10-04HCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended.What Philadelphia inspections check ↗
- Inspection · 2024-11-14L&I investigationA dated L&I visit or review. Its type describes the inspection program; the separate result and later rows show whether that visit passed, failed, or led to follow-up.What Philadelphia inspections check ↗
Property assessmentBlock median & rangeZIP 19141 medianAssessmentDeed / saleL&I violationPermitInspection
Scroll horizontally to move through the years. Each icon sits on its recorded date; records without a day are labeled and centered within their year. Select one to explain the filing.
Highlight
Every dated record22 events · exact dates, newest first
- InspectionL&I investigation
- L&I violationRUBBISH & GARBAGE
- L&I violationEXTERIOR AREA WEEDS
- L&I violationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
- L&I violationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
- L&I violationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
- L&I violationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
- Deed / saleDeed / sale $84K
- PermitMechanical
- PermitElectrical
- PermitPlumbing
- PermitMajor alteration
- Deed / saleDeed / sale $57K
- Deed / saleDeed / sale $23K
- InspectionHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)
- L&I violationPROSEC- STD INFO (likely: Standard enforcement or prosecution notice)
- L&I violationLICENSE-VAC RES BLDG (vacant residential building license required)
- L&I violationVACANT PROP STANDARD (likely: vacant-property enforcement standard)
- L&I violationWALL PARTIALLY COLLAPSED
- L&I violationVACANT BLDG UNSEC/UNSAFE CSU
- L&I violationROOF DETERIORATED
- InspectionCSUINITIAL
The paper trail
Permit between transfers$57K transfer in 2010; major alteration permit in 2010; $84K transfer in 2011 (+47% between recorded amounts).
- 2007 Inspection failed ×2L&I visit
- 2010 $57KTransferMajor alterationPermit$23KTransferPlumbingPermitElectricalPermitMechanicalPermit
- 2011 $84KTransfer
- 2018 2 L&I violationsL&I
- 2019 2 L&I violationsL&I
- 2024 2 L&I violationsL&IL&I: 2 failed, 1 passedL&I visit
Records behind the chart
Browse the source ledger
The chart above is the primary timeline. This drawer preserves every underlying dated row and its filed status for source-level review.
Browse 24 dated records deeds, permits, inspections, licenses, violations, certifications & appeals
- InvestigationL&I investigation
Case CF-2024-035908 · PASSED
The cited inspection visit was marked passed.
- InvestigationL&I investigation
Case CF-2024-035908 · FAILED
The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.
- ViolationRUBBISH & GARBAGE
Case CF-2024-035908 · Violation VI-2024-029389 · Code PM15-308.1 · COMPLIED
Resolution: COMPLIED - BY ENFORCEMENT ACTION City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationEXTERIOR AREA WEEDS
Case CF-2024-035908 · Violation VI-2024-029388 · Code PM15-302.4 · COMPLIED
Resolution: COMPLIED - BY ENFORCEMENT ACTION City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
Case 681032 · Violation 5011011 · Code CP-01 · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
Case 681032 · Violation 5011012 · Code CP-312A · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
Case 631487 · Violation 4658880 · Code CP-312A · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
Case 631487 · Violation 4658879 · Code CP-01 · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- Recorded transfer$84K transfer
2011
- PermitMechanical
Permit 294585 · COMPLETED
INSTALL HVAC UNIT WITH ASSOCIATED DUCTWORK(SFD)
- PermitElectrical
Permit 293545 · COMPLETED
COMPLETE RE-WIRE TO INCLUDE 150 AMP SERVICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2008 NEC FOR A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
- PermitPlumbing
Permit 290503 · COMPLETED
REPLACE ALL INTERIOR WATER AND DRAINAGE LINES FOR: THREE PIECE BATHROOM, KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY TUB, YARD DRAIN. REAPLACE CURB TRAP AND A COMPLETE WATER SERVICE
- PermitMajor alteration
Permit 264453 · COMPLETED
FOR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO COMPLETLY REHABILITA A VACANT PROPERTY. ALL WORK SHALL COMPLY WITH THE APROVED PLANS AND THE AGRREMENT WITH THE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. SEPARATE ZONING & BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED FOR DECK CONSTRUCTION.
- Recorded transfer$57K transfer
2010
- Recorded transfer$23K transfer
2010
- InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)
Case 117767 · FAILED
A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.
- InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)
Case 117767 · CLOSED
A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. City marked the record closed; open the case for the closing reason.
- ViolationPROSEC- STD INFO (likely: Standard enforcement or prosecution notice)
Case 117767 · Violation 698555 · Code A-503.2/2 · COMPLIED
Legacy L&I shorthand; the case notice contains the actual required correction and deadlines. City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationLICENSE-VAC RES BLDG (vacant residential building license required)
Case 117767 · Violation 698556 · Code PM-102.4/2 · COMPLIED
This usually records a requirement to obtain a Vacant Structure License for an unoccupied residential building. Check later license and compliance rows because it does not establish present vacancy or an unresolved violation. City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationVACANT PROP STANDARD (likely: vacant-property enforcement standard)
Case 117767 · Violation 698557 · Code PM-306.0/1 · COMPLIED
A legacy L&I label associated with vacant-property requirements. It may concern licensing, securing, or maintaining a vacant structure; the notice and cited code control, and this row alone does not prove the property is vacant now. City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationWALL PARTIALLY COLLAPSED
Case 96956 · Violation 459188 · Code PM-307.1/12 · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationVACANT BLDG UNSEC/UNSAFE CSU
Case 96956 · Violation 459190 · Code PM-307.1/19 · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- ViolationROOF DETERIORATED
Case 96956 · Violation 459189 · Code PM-307.1/2 · COMPLIED
City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.
- InvestigationCSUINITIAL
Case 96956 · CLOSED
City marked the record closed; open the case for the closing reason.
What this record suggests
The City file documents 4 permits touching kitchen work, bathroom work, electrical work, plumbing. 4 carries a completed, issued, or approved status; that documents the filing, not the present quality of the work.
Unavailable when this report assembled: certifications. Unavailable does not mean no record.
Informational only — not investment advice or a consumer report (FCRA).
The property, on paper
The city assessor's field record — the physical spec sheet behind the assessed number.
Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
1
Stories
2
Interior
1,180 sqft
livable area
Lot
1,972 sqft
Basement
Full
city code D
Heat
Hot water / radiators
city code B
Central air
No
Garage
1 space
Exterior condition
Average
city code 4
Above averageBelow average
Interior condition
Average
city code 4
Above averageBelow average
Quality grade
C
assessor's grade
ABCDE
Zoning
RSA5
city zoning code
OPA field-assessment attributes. Condition and grade are the assessor's codes, not an inspection.
Run the numbers
What owning 1957 Sparks St takes, at your price and your rate. Taxes start with an annual estimate from the City’s taxable assessment, not a current bill or balance; rent starts at the area median. Assessed value is not an asking price — set the price slider to the real one.
When this house last sold (2011) a 30-year mortgage ran about 4.45% — Freddie Mac's average that year.
Mortgage
—
P&I · 30-yr fixed
All-in monthly
—
+ taxes & insurance
Estimated cash needed
—
down + 4% planning allowance
Modeled cash flow
—
rent − shown costs · /mo
Modeled cap rate
—
modeled NOI ÷ price
Modeled cash-on-cash
—
modeled year-1 return
Scenario for orientation, not advice. Assumes a 30-year fixed loan, $1,400/yr insurance, 1% of price/yr maintenance, and buyer cash equal to the down payment plus 4%. Taxes use this parcel's taxable assessment, not a live Tax Center balance. Cash flow and returns exclude vacancy, management, utilities, HOA or condo fees, leasing costs, income tax, and unplanned capital work.
Block context
1957 Sparks St sits on the 1900 block of Sparks St. Open the block report to compare its parcels, ownership and public-record history.
See the whole block →Next door: 1955 Sparks St · 1959 Sparks St
Where this comes from
- Assessment, spec sheet & owner — OPA Property Assessments, Office of Property Assessment
- Sales & deed history — Realty Transfer Tax records, Recorder of Deeds
- Permits, violations & inspections — L&I Property History · Atlas
- Tax delinquency snapshot · June 2022 — Real Estate Tax Delinquencies, Dept. of Revenue
- Historical tax ledger & liens · through 2016 — Real Estate Tax Balances, Dept. of Revenue
- Current property-tax balance — Verify with Philadelphia Revenue
- Zoning appeals — L&I & Zoning Board appeals
- Neighborhood income & rents — US Census ACS 5-year estimates
- Historical mortgage rates — Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, annual averages
- Imagery — Street photo © Google · Aerial © Esri, Maxar
Methodology & freshness
This report was assembled Jul 11, 2026, 10:03 AM ET. Available City datasets are queried from OpenDataPhilly (phl.carto.com) and the cited City ArcGIS feeds; record queries paginate rather than silently taking a first page. For this property: Permits: queried · Violations: queried · Investigations: queried · Appeals: queried · Licenses: queried · Building certifications: unavailable. “Unavailable” means the source query failed or was not supplied, not “no record.” Reports re-pull on view after seven days and on an overnight rolling schedule; citywide benchmarks recompute weekly. Source dates still govern: the parcel-level tax-delinquency snapshot is June 2022 and the separate detailed tax ledger ends in 2016, so neither establishes today’s balance. The live balance and date-effective payoff must be verified in Tax Center. AI-written passages are grounded in the assembled record and rejected if they state a number the record does not hold.
Official city record ↗ · L&I history ↗ · See the whole block · Download this record (JSON)