Technical Assistance Grant
Up to $7,500 for design & planning
The City of Boston offers a Technical Assistance Grant of up to $7,500 to help homeowners with the design and permitting costs associated with building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). This grant is especially helpful in the early phases of an ADU project, covering expenses such as architectural design, zoning review, and permitting documentation.
The funding is designed to make ADU development more accessible and financially feasible, particularly for eligible homeowners navigating Boston’s regulatory landscape. This grant complements the city's broader ADU support initiatives, which include a $50,000 0%-interest loan program and connections to partner banks for additional financing support.
Financing Support: Up to $50,000 at 0% Interest
The City of Boston’s ADU Loan Program offers a 0% interest loan of up to $50,000 to help eligible homeowners cover the cost of constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. A key benefit of this program is that there are no monthly payments required instead, the loan balance is deferred and only becomes due when the homeowner sells, refinances, or transfers ownership of the property. This structure significantly reduces financial pressure during the construction process and beyond, making the program especially attractive for homeowners planning to age in place or generate long-term rental income.
To qualify, applicants must have a household income at or below 135% of the Area Median Income (AMI) which, as of 2024, translates to approximately $154,000 for a one-person household or $176,000 for a two-person household.
This program is designed to support moderate-income Bostonians who want to make the most of their property without incurring the upfront financial burden typically associated with major renovations or additions. Combined with the $7,500 technical assistance grant, this initiative offers a strong foundation for making ADUs financially achievable.
What’s New
Boston homeowners can now build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on the property where they live, once the design is approved. These units can be created within an existing home, or in some cases, built in the backyard. We help homeowners understand what’s possible, then turn dreams into reality. Financial assistance is available for eligible homeowners to support construction.
Financing Support: Up to $50,000 at 0% Interest
The City of Boston’s ADU Loan Program offers a 0% interest loan of up to $50,000 to help eligible homeowners cover the cost of constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. A key benefit of this program is that there are no monthly payments required instead, the loan balance is deferred and only becomes due when the homeowner sells, refinances, or transfers ownership of the property. This structure significantly reduces financial pressure during the construction process and beyond, making the program especially attractive for homeowners planning to age in place or generate long-term rental income.
To qualify, applicants must have a household income at or below 135% of the Area Median Income (AMI) which, as of 2024, translates to approximately $154,000 for a one-person household or $176,000 for a two-person household. This program is designed to support moderate-income Bostonians who want to make the most of their property without incurring the upfront financial burden typically associated with major renovations or additions. Combined with the $7,500 technical assistance grant, this initiative offers a strong foundation for making ADUs financially achievable.
The City of Boston’s ADU Loan Program offers a 0% interest loan of up to $50,000 to help eligible homeowners cover the cost of constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. A key benefit of this program is that there are no monthly payments required instead, the loan balance is deferred and only becomes due when the homeowner sells, refinances, or transfers ownership of the property. This structure significantly reduces financial pressure during the construction process and beyond, making the program especially attractive for homeowners planning to age in place or generate long-term rental income.
To qualify, applicants must have a household income at or below 135% of the Area Median Income (AMI) which, as of 2024, translates to approximately $154,000 for a one-person household or $176,000 for a two-person household. This program is designed to support moderate-income Bostonians who want to make the most of their property without incurring the upfront financial burden typically associated with major renovations or additions. Combined with the $7,500 technical assistance grant, this initiative offers a strong foundation for making ADUs financially achievable.
The City of Boston offers a Technical Assistance Grant of up to $7,500 to help homeowners with the design and permitting costs associated with building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). This grant is especially helpful in the early phases of an ADU project, covering expenses such as architectural design, zoning review, and permitting documentation.
The funding is designed to make ADU development more accessible and financially feasible, particularly for eligible homeowners navigating Boston’s regulatory landscape. This grant complements the city's broader ADU support initiatives, which include a $50,000 0%-interest loan program and connections to partner banks for additional financing support.
Boston homeowners can now build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on the property where they live, once the design is approved. These units can be created within an existing home, or in some cases, built in the backyard. We help homeowners understand what’s possible, then turn dreams into reality. Financial assistance is available for eligible homeowners to support construction.
Boston’s ADU Program is about more than construction—it’s about care, community, and creating space for life’s next chapter.
