Can you sell a house with open permits?

Updated October 2, 2026 · 3 min read

Short answer

Yes, in most places. There is generally no rule that stops a sale because a permit is open. But an open permit can surface during the buyer's checks and slow the closing, reduce the price or put the buyer off. Finding and closing open permits before you list is usually easier than dealing with them mid-sale.

How open permits affect a sale

A buyer, their attorney or their lender may ask for the permit to be closed before closing.
Many states expect sellers to disclose permit problems they know about.
Buyers tend to assume the worst about work nobody signed off, and price it in.

A seller's options

Close the permit before listing. This removes the issue.
Disclose it and price the house accordingly.
Offer the buyer a credit, or agree to hold money in escrow until it is closed.

Check your own address first

Owners are often unaware of open permits, especially ones a contractor or a previous owner never closed. Look up your address before you list so the first person to find it is you. Searching on PermitPeek is free.

Common questions

Do I have to close open permits before selling?

Usually not by law, though some local rules and many buyers require it. Whether it is worth doing depends on what it would take to close and how much it would affect your price.

What if a previous owner opened the permit?

It is still attached to your house, and you are the one who can close it. The building department will tell you what is outstanding.