Finding a property listed for just $5,900 is unusual in the current real estate market, but extremely low asking prices often come with significant limitations.

One example is 7 Short Ave, Washington, PA 15301, a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property listed at $5,900. The property contains approximately 1,327 square feet on a 0.27-acre lot, but the listing indicates that the existing structure has severe structural problems and is being offered primarily for its land value.

For buyers interested in cheap property, land investment, or redevelopment opportunities, this listing raises an important question:

Is the $5,900 asking price an opportunity, or does the property’s condition make the project significantly more expensive than the purchase price suggests?

This article looks at the numbers, property condition, potential opportunities and the issues a buyer should investigate before making a decision.

Property Overview

Property Detail	Information
Address	7 Short Ave, Washington, PA 15301
Asking Price	$5,900
Property Type	Single-Family Residence
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1
Interior Area	1,327 sq. ft.
Lot Size	0.27 acres
Year Built	1904
Price per Sq. Ft.	Approximately $4.45
Annual Property Tax	$1,576
Tax Assessment	$85,900
Parcel Number	1700180105000200
MLS	1755476
Buyer Requirement	Cash buyers only

The listing is currently being marketed primarily for its land value rather than as a move-in-ready home. The listing also states that the existing structure is a tear-down candidate because of severe structural damage.

Why Is the Property Listed for Only $5,900?

The $5,900 price tag immediately attracts attention, but the low price needs to be viewed in context.

The property was originally listed at $14,900 on May 26, 2026. According to the recorded listing history, the asking price was subsequently reduced to $12,900, then $9,900, $7,900 and finally $5,900 on September 10, 2026.

That represents a reduction of approximately 60% from the original $14,900 asking price.

The property had also previously appeared in the market earlier in 2026 at higher prices before being relisted.

This pricing history is important because the $5,900 figure should not automatically be interpreted as the market value of a usable 1,327-square-foot home.

Instead, the current asking price appears to reflect the property’s condition and the fact that the listing is being marketed primarily around its land value.

What Does $5,900 Actually Buy?

At first glance, $5,900 divided by 1,327 square feet works out to roughly $4.45 per square foot.

That number looks extremely low compared with conventional residential property prices.

However, price per square foot is not a particularly useful valuation measure for this property because the existing structure is reportedly severely damaged.

A buyer should therefore focus less on the $4.45-per-square-foot figure and more on:

The value of the 0.27-acre parcel
Whether the existing structure can be safely demolished or renovated
Local zoning requirements
Utility availability
Site access
Demolition costs
Construction costs
Property taxes
Permits
Insurance
Future development possibilities

In other words, this is much closer to a land/redevelopment opportunity than a conventional inexpensive house.

The Existing House: A Major Consideration

The property’s biggest issue is its physical condition.

The listing states that the interior has severe structural damage, including collapsed ceilings and compromised flooring. It also states that portions of the home are boarded off and inaccessible for safety reasons.

The photographs associated with the listing also show significant deterioration inside the property, including damaged ceilings, worn flooring, an outdated kitchen and bathroom, and substantial signs of neglect.

Because of this, a potential buyer should not assume that the existing 1,327-square-foot structure represents usable living space.

A professional inspection and structural assessment would be essential before deciding whether renovation is realistic.

If the structure is ultimately determined to be unsuitable for rehabilitation, demolition and rebuilding could become the more relevant path.

Could the Land Be the Real Opportunity?

The property sits on approximately 0.27 acres, and the listing specifically markets the property primarily for its land value.

At the current asking price, the purchase price works out to approximately:

$5,900 ÷ 0.27 acres = about $21,850 per acre

That calculation alone does not establish that the land is worth $21,850 per acre. Land value depends heavily on factors such as zoning, access, utilities, topography, drainage, buildability and comparable land sales.

For someone researching cheap land for sale in Pennsylvania, however, these are exactly the factors worth investigating.

Potential Real Estate Investment Opportunity

A very low purchase price can make a property interesting to real estate investors, but the purchase price is only one part of the investment.

For example, an investor might investigate whether the parcel could support:

A replacement residential structure
A new single-family home
Another permitted use
A redevelopment project
Long-term land holding

However, none of these possibilities should be assumed without confirming local zoning and development requirements.

Washington, Pennsylvania has zoning regulations governing land use, structures, lot requirements and related development matters. Buyers should confirm the applicable municipality and zoning classification for this specific parcel before planning a project.

The City of Washington also lists zoning, planning and demolition permits among its municipal processes.

Property Taxes Are Particularly Important

One of the most interesting numbers associated with this property is the $1,576 annual property tax reported for 2026, alongside a listed tax assessment of $85,900.

At a $5,900 asking price, the annual tax is equivalent to roughly 26.7% of the current purchase price.

That does not mean the property has a 26.7% tax rate.

It simply illustrates how significant the annual tax amount could be relative to the unusually low purchase price.

For a buyer considering a cheap property or land investment, this is an important reminder:

A low purchase price does not necessarily mean a low-cost property.

The buyer should independently verify the current tax obligation, assessment, delinquent taxes, liens and any other charges before closing.

What About Financing?

The listing states “Cash buyers only.”

That is an important limitation for buyers who normally rely on mortgage financing.

Traditional residential mortgage financing can be difficult when a property has severe structural problems, particularly when the property is being marketed primarily for land value.

A prospective buyer should speak directly with a lender about whether any appropriate financing product is available. Depending on the buyer’s plans and the lender’s requirements, questions could include:

Land loan options
Construction financing
Renovation financing
Cash purchase followed by construction financing
Other real estate investment financing

The availability and terms of any financing will depend on the property, borrower, lender and intended use.

Potential Advantages

There are several factors that could make this property worth further investigation.

Very Low Purchase Price

At $5,900, the entry price is substantially lower than many conventional residential listings in the Washington, PA market. Current listings in the broader Washington area include properties priced well above this level, although those properties can differ dramatically in condition, size and location.

Land Component

The property includes approximately 0.27 acres, which may be more important than the existing house to a buyer interested in redevelopment.

Potential Redevelopment

If zoning, utilities, access and site conditions permit, the parcel could potentially be considered for a future development project.

Low Initial Capital Requirement

Compared with purchasing a conventional home, the $5,900 asking price represents a relatively small initial acquisition cost.

However, the total project cost could be substantially higher after demolition, construction, professional fees, permits and other expenses.

Potential Disadvantages and Risks

The low price comes with significant risks.

Severe Structural Damage

The listing itself identifies the structure as a tear-down candidate and describes severe interior damage.

Demolition Costs

If the structure cannot be economically repaired, the buyer may need to pay for demolition, debris removal and related permits.

Construction Costs

Building a new home can cost many times more than purchasing the land.

Financing Restrictions

The property is marketed to cash buyers, which can significantly limit financing options.

Property Taxes

The reported annual tax of $1,576 is significant compared with the $5,900 asking price.

Zoning and Buildability

Owning a parcel does not automatically mean that a buyer can build whatever they want. Zoning, setbacks, utilities, access and other regulations need to be verified.

Unknown Site Conditions

Before purchasing, a buyer should investigate issues such as drainage, foundation conditions, utility connections, sewer/septic arrangements, environmental concerns and property boundaries.

What Should Buyers Check Before Purchasing?

Anyone considering this property as a real estate investment should perform substantial due diligence.

1. Confirm Zoning

Ask the appropriate local authority for the current zoning classification and permitted uses.

2. Confirm Whether New Construction Is Allowed

If the intention is to demolish the existing structure and build a new home, verify that the parcel is legally buildable under current regulations.

3. Check Utilities

Confirm the availability and condition of:

Electricity
Water
Sewer or septic
Natural gas, if applicable
Internet/telecommunications

4. Investigate Property Taxes

Verify the current tax bill and determine whether there are delinquent taxes or other outstanding charges.

5. Check for Liens

A title search should be performed before purchasing.

6. Obtain a Professional Structural Opinion

Even though the listing describes the property as a tear-down candidate, a qualified professional should determine what can actually be done with the structure.

7. Estimate Demolition Costs

If demolition is necessary, obtain written estimates rather than assuming the cost will be small.

8. Research Comparable Land

Look at recent sales of similar parcels in the surrounding area rather than comparing this property with ordinary move-in-ready houses.

9. Confirm Road and Property Access

Make sure the parcel has legal and practical access for construction vehicles and future occupants.

10. Understand Total Project Cost

The $5,900 purchase price should be considered only the starting point.

Is This a Good Investment?

There is no simple answer based only on the $5,900 asking price.

For an investor, the important calculation is not:

“Can I buy a property for $5,900?”

It is:

“What will the total project cost be, and what could the completed property or land realistically be worth?”

For example, an investor would need to consider:

**Purchase price

closing costs
legal/title costs
demolition
permits
site work
utility work
construction or renovation
financing costs
property taxes
insurance
= Total investment**

Only after calculating the total cost can the potential return on a real estate investment be meaningfully evaluated.

Final Thoughts on 7 Short Ave

The $5,900 price tag makes 7 Short Ave an unusual property listing, but the low price should not be confused with a low-risk purchase.

The property is being marketed primarily for its land value, while the existing structure has significant reported structural damage.

For the right buyer, the property could be worth investigating as a land or redevelopment opportunity. For someone looking for a move-in-ready home, however, the property presents a very different proposition.

The most important questions are not simply about the $5,900 purchase price. Buyers should investigate zoning, buildability, utilities, taxes, title, demolition costs, construction costs and the property’s long-term potential before committing funds.

The listing should therefore be viewed as a potential real estate investment or redevelopment project, rather than a conventional $5,900 house.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is 7 Short Ave in Washington, PA?

The current listed asking price is $5,900, according to the listing updated September 10, 2026.

How much land comes with the property?

The property has approximately 0.27 acres of land.

How many bedrooms does the property have?

The listing reports 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Can you finance this property?

The listing states cash buyers only. Buyers interested in financing should discuss the property directly with lenders because conventional mortgage financing may not be available for a property in this condition.

Is the house move-in ready?

No. The listing describes the existing structure as a tear-down candidate and reports severe structural damage, including collapsed ceilings and compromised flooring.

What are the property taxes?

The reported 2026 property tax is $1,576, with a listed assessment of $85,900. Buyers should verify the current tax status before purchasing.

Is this property suitable for real estate investment?

It may be worth investigating as a land or redevelopment opportunity, but the potential investment outcome depends on zoning, buildability, demolition and construction costs, taxes, financing and the eventual value of the completed project.

Original Listing

For the latest availability, listing status, photographs and information from the listing source, visit the original Zillow listing:

View the original 7 Short Ave listing on Zillow

Source: West Penn MLS #1755476. Listing information is subject to change and should be independently verified before making a real estate or financial decision.