Housing (Homeownership)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2421: An Act relative to ensuring the equitable protection of homestead

HD 2421 expands homestead exemptions to provide greater financial protection for vulnerable homeowners in Massachusetts. It adds a 25% additional exemption for residents aged 65+ or those with a documented disability meeting federal SSI criteria, while setting annual exemption limits between $250,000 and $1.25 million based on county median home values - adjusted yearly for inflation. First-time homebuyers earning under 120% of area median income qualify for a temporary 10% exemption boost during their first five years. The bill also requires the state to launch an education campaign about homestead rights and publish annual reports tracking exemption usage and impacts, effective January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands homestead exemptions for vulnerable homeowners (65+/disabled) and adds affordability boost for first-time buyers under 120% AMI, directly advancing housing protection and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 3252: An Act improving older adult tax relief to address the rising cost of homeownership

By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3252) of Thomas M. Stanley relative to property tax relief for older adults. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for older adults, directly reducing their tax burden and aligning with tax relief for vulnerable groups under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax relief for older homeowners to address rising homeownership costs, directly supporting housing affordability for a vulnerable group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 134: An Act relative to reducing damage caused by the current foreclosure crisis in the historic districts of Massachusetts

This bill creates Historic District Stabilization Committees in Massachusetts communities facing foreclosure crises in designated historic areas. The committees, formed by local organizations, can acquire properties through eminent domain at fair market value to prevent vacant/vandalized homes. They must conduct market studies to establish a Community Appraisal Framework, manage occupied properties through homeowner counseling, and restore vacant properties to meet federal rehabilitation standards. These committees will also market acquired properties using the established framework to stabilize neighborhood values. The bill directly affects historic districts with high foreclosure rates, aiming to protect community investments without harming legitimate financial interests.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents vacant properties in historic districts via eminent domain acquisition and rehabilitation, stabilizing housing stock and preventing loss of affordable units during foreclosure crisis.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Homeownership Mortgages

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1029: An Act improving older adult tax relief to address the rising cost of homeownership

This bill amends the definition of "real estate tax payment" to expand eligibility for an existing tax credit for older homeowners. It now includes 50% of paid water and sewer charges (where communities don't assess them) and 50% of homeowner's insurance costs when calculating the credit. The change directly affects older adults owning residential property who pay real estate taxes, making more expenses count toward their credit. For multi-unit properties, the bill clarifies that shared costs like water, sewer, and insurance are included proportionally.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax credit eligibility to include water/sewer and insurance costs, providing direct tax relief for older homeowners under tax policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax credit for older homeowners to include water/sewer and insurance costs, reducing housing expenses and supporting affordability for existing homeowners.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2101: An Act supporting home sales to first-time home buyers

This bill creates a tax credit for sellers of residential properties in Massachusetts who sell to first-time home buyers using the home as their primary residence. Sellers would receive a credit equal to 50% of the profit (capital gain) from the sale, up to a maximum of $7,500 per transaction. The credit applies only to properties priced under $750,000, containing four or fewer dwelling units, and sold to buyers who have never owned a home before. The policy directly affects sellers meeting these criteria by reducing their tax liability on the sale.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for sellers, reducing state revenue to support first-time homebuyers, aligning with tax relief for housing affordability.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax credit for sellers to first-time buyers lowers purchase barriers, directly increasing affordability for new homeowners in Massachusetts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3293: An Act relative to a first-time homebuyer tax deduction

This bill creates a tax deduction for Massachusetts first-time homebuyers equal to their closing costs. It defines "first-time homebuyer" as a resident who hasn't owned a home in the past three years and specifies "closing costs" to include fees like appraisals, inspections, attorney fees, and recording charges. The deduction applies directly to eligible buyers when filing state taxes, reducing their taxable income by the amount of qualifying closing expenses. This policy change aims to lower upfront costs for new homebuyers in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax deduction for first-time homebuyers, reducing taxable income and providing tax relief to middle-income residents per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates tax deduction for first-time homebuyers to cover closing costs, directly lowering purchase barriers and advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4094: An Act relative to fairness in home sales

This bill amends Massachusetts' fair housing law (Chapter 151B) to expand protections beyond rental housing. It adds "home sales" to the list of covered areas and includes "prospective homebuyers" alongside tenants. The law now explicitly prohibits discrimination in home buying, rental accommodations, and downpayment assistance programs. These changes directly affect home sellers, buyers, and lenders in Massachusetts by extending fair housing safeguards to the home purchase process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands anti-discrimination protections to home sales and buyers, preventing housing discrimination in purchasing process per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1735: An Act ending large investor control of homes in Massachusetts

HD 1735 imposes a tax on large real estate investment firms (defined as entities managing $10 million or more in assets) that own more residential properties (1-4 units) than allowed under phased ownership limits. The tax equals $10 million multiplied by the number of excess properties, calculated annually based on a declining percentage of their 2023 holdings over nine years. Revenue from this tax funds a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers purchasing residential properties, administered through the Housing Down Payment Trust Fund. The bill directly affects large investment firms managing significant residential portfolios, requiring them to reduce holdings or pay the tax, while excluding nonprofit organizations and affordable housing from its scope.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on large investors to fund first-time homebuyer down payment program, directly advancing public service funding via fiscal policy.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax on large investors funds down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, directly advancing affordable housing access per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Affordable Housing Homeownership

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3182: An Act relative to a capital gains tax credit for first time homebuyers

By Representative Markey of Dartmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3182) of Christopher M. Markey relative to a capital gains tax credit for first time homebuyers. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides capital gains tax credit for first-time homebuyers, reducing tax burden on middle-income residents per tax relief indicator.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax credit for first-time homebuyers reduces purchase costs, directly increasing affordable housing access and aligning with housing support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 2089: An Act relative to first-time home buyers savings accounts

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2089) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to first-time home buyers savings accounts. Revenue.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, directly enabling down payment access and advancing affordable housing by reducing entry barriers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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