Affordable Housing Opportunities in Somerville
The City of Somerville works with private and nonprofit developers to create affordable housing opportunities for renters and homebuyers. Click on the tabs below to learn about affordable housing and other programs for income-eligible residents.
You can also search for affordable rentals and homeownership opportunities using the MassAccess website.
The Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund helps preserve and create affordable rentals and homes in Somerville. All projects and programs benefit low to moderate income families that are at or below 110% of the area median income. The Trust makes it possible to offer many of the rental and homeownership opportunities you’ll find on this page. You can learn more about the Trust Fund here.
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Inclusionary Affordable Homeownership Program
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Inclusionary Affordable Rental Program
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Income-Restricted Units Coming Soon
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Resources for First-Time Buyers
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Resources for Renters
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Past Opportunities
Inclusionary Affordable Homeownership Program
Alert (10/30/2018): 353 Davis Applicants Will Receive Lottery ID Numbers Prior To November 15th By Email
Alert (10/24/2018): Resale of Income-Restricted 2-Bedroom Condo at 50 Bow St.
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development (OSPCD) are pleased to announce the RESALE of a 2-bedroom condo at 50 Bow Street, available for homeownership to an income-eligible households between 81% and 110% AMI at an affordable price of $260,627 through the City of Somerville's Inclusionary Housing Program.
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Alert (10/11/2018): 15 Income-Restricted Homeownership Condos at Alloy at Assembly Row
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Street Realty Inc. are pleased to announce 15 income-restricted homeownership units located at Alloy, Assembly Row 275 Foley Street, Somerville. Units will be ready for occupancy upon purchase.
If you are a Somerville resident seeking language assistance in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole for the Alloy Information and Pre-Lottery Application Packet, please contactSomerViva. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
If you live outside of Somerville and seeking language assistance in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole for the Alloy Information and Pre-Lottery Application, please contact SEB at [email protected] or at 617-782-6900.
Si w se yon rezidan Somerville, epi ou bezwen tradiksyon an kreyòl Ayisyen pou aplikasyon sa a tanpri rele 617-625-6600 EXT.2622. Si w bezwen aksede sevis sa a tanpri rele pou yon randevou.
Si w abite an deyò Somerville epi ou bezwen tradiksyon an panyòl,pòtigè, oubyen kreyòl ayisyen pou enfomasyon sou applikasyon Alloy la oubyen lotri a tanpri kontakte SEB nan[email protected] oubyen nan 617-782-6900.
Si ud. es residente de Somerville buscando asistencia lingüística para el Paquete de Información y Solicitud para Alloy, contacte al: 617-625-6600 EXT. 2122. SOLO CON CITA PREVIA.Si ud. viva afuera de Somerville y buscando asistencia lingüística para el Paquete de Información y Solicitud para Alloy, contacte SEB a: [email protected] o 617-782-6900.
Se você é residente em Somerville e precisa de assistência em Português para informações sobre o Edifício Alloy e o pacote de informações da pré-loteria, por favor ligue para 617-625-6600 extensão 2123. ATENDIMENTO SOMENTE COM HORA MARCADA.
Se você reside fora de Somerville e e precisa de assistência em Português para informações sobre o Edifício Alloy e o pacote de informações da pré-loteria, por favor entre em contato com a SEB pelo email [email protected] ou telephone 617-782-6900.
Information and Application Packets
Information Sessions
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13th 2018
Time: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Place: VNA 405 Alewife Brook Parkway (please park in Dilboy Field lot)
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 24th 2018
Time: 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM
Place: Alloy Condominium Complex
Date: Saturday, Nov. 10th 2018
Time: 12:00 PM -2:00 PM
Place: Alloy Condominium Complex
Application Deadline
Date: Monday, December 10th 2018
Time: 2 PM
Applications must be completed and submitted before 2 PM via one of the following means;
In person: SEB at 257 Hillside Ave in Needham, MA 02494; or
City Hall Annex 50 Evergreen Ave Somerville, MA 02145; or
Email: [email protected]; or
Fax: 617-782-4500
Date: Wednesday, January 9th 2019
Time: 10:30 AM
Place: City Hall Aldermanic Chambers on 2nd Fl.
Or online at https://www.youtube.com/user/SomervilleCityTV
About the Program
Our Inclusionary Affordable Homeownership Program provides opportunities for first-time homebuyers based on income. Sign up here to get alerts whenever affordable housing units become available. To be eligible for the program, you must:
- Be a first-time homebuyer
- Intend to use the unit as your primary residence
- Be a “ready buyer” and get a mortgage pre-approval
- Agree to follow any Deed Restrictions on the unit
- Have a certificate from an MHC Homebuyer Class by the closing date. If you haven’t taken the class yet, you can see a list of upcoming classes here.
Deed Restrictions
Affordable housing units have some important resale/equity restrictions. A few of them are listed below. We’ll give the winner a full copy of the restrictions during the Purchase and Sale process. You can also request a copy by calling us at (617) 625-2577 x2577.
- The unit may have a Deed Restriction that limits equity and has some rules for reselling the home. We’ll need to reassess the home’s value if you decide to sell it in the future.
- You’ll need to keep the home as your primary residence, but you have the option to sell it at any time. We perform residency certifications once a year.
- Once we’ve certified that you are income-eligible, we won’t need to perform any additional income verifications.
Lottery Drawing and Process
We use a lottery to choose the winner, who will then be able to buy the home from its current owner. Here’s how it works:
- We’ll draw each name and assign it an appropriate number.
- The first name we draw is the winner and will have one week to certify their income with the Housing Division.
- Once certified, the winner will enter the Purchase and Sale Agreement with the current homeowner.
- The owner and buyer will agree on a closing date that’s convenient for both parties.
Inclusionary Affordable Rental Program
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Lacourt Enterprises, LLC. are pleased to announce two (2) affordable rental units located at the Chadwick in Davis The Chadwick is a 28 unit, four-story brick building with an elevator located at 131 Orchard Street. Two (2) units, including a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom, will be offered to income-qualified households at an affordable rent via an application and lottery process through the City of Somerville’s Inclusionary Housing Program.
1BR |
Unit 31 for households with incomes 51% - 80% AMI |
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How many persons are in your household? |
Is your household’s gross annual |
Monthly Rent: $1,031** |
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1 |
$37,751 - $56,800 |
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2 |
$43,151 - $64,900 |
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3 |
$48,551 - $73,000 |
2 BR |
Unit B1 for households with incomes at or below 50% AMI |
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How many persons are in your household? |
Is your household’s gross annual |
Monthly Rent: $1,202** |
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2 |
$20,280 - $43,150 |
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3 |
$20,280 - $48,550 |
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4 |
$20,280 - $53,900 |
*Minimum incomes are not applicable to Section 8 or other voucher holders
**Rents do not include the cost of electricity, heat is electric
Flyers
Application Timeline
- Open Application Begins: After the conclusion of the 1st Info. Session.
- 1st Info. Session: 6:30PM, Thursday, October 4, 2018 @ East Somerville Community School (ESCS) Auditorium located at 50 Cross Street in Somerville
- 2nd Info. Session: 10:30AM, Wednesday, November 7, 2018 @ Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) 4th Floor located at 405 Alewife Brook Pkwy. in Somerville (please park at Dilboy Field)
- Application Deadline: 2:30PM, Monday, December 3, 2018 at 50 Evergreen Ave. in Somerville
- Lottery Date: 10:30AM, Monday, December 17, 2018 @ Aldermanic Chambers City Hall located at 93 Highland Ave. Somerville
If you have any other questions please contact Andres Bueno, Program Specialist at 617-625-6600 ext.2584 or [email protected].
Income-Restricted Units Coming Soon
First-Time Homebuyer Education
There are several programs to help you learn about the home buying process. They’ll teach you how to deal with credit issues, work with a Realtor, apply for a mortgage, and more. The organizations below offer these First-Time Homebuyer classes:
Resources for First-Time Buyers
Closing Cost and Down Payment Assistance
The Housing Division and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund offer three programs to help first-time homebuyers in the City. Each program has different rules and benefits. You must be a first-time homebuyer with an eligible income to qualify. We give preference to current residents, though anyone is welcome to apply. The three programs are:
- Closing Cost 80 Program: We’ll provide closing cost assistance up to $5,000 as a 0% interest, five-year forgivable loan.
- Down Payment Assistance 80 Program: We’ll provide down payment assistance up to 15% of the purchase price as a 0% interest, deferred payment loan.
- Closing Cost/Down Payment Assistance 110 Program: We’ll provide up to $5,000 in down payment assistance or closing costs as a 0% interest, five-year forgivable loan.
To learn more about eligibility and income limits, click here.
First-Time Homebuyer Education
There are several programs to help you learn about the home buying process. They’ll teach you how to deal with credit issues, work with a Realtor, apply for a mortgage, and more. The organizations below offer these First-Time Homebuyer classes:
- Somerville Community Corporation First-Time Homebuyer Seminar
- CHAPA Homeownership Education Workshop
- MAHA Homeownership University
Homeownership Guide
We’ve organized a list of resources for new and current homeowners. The guide includes information about loans for remodeling your house, improving energy efficiency, removing lead, and other resources. You’ll also find important information about zoning laws and permits. Click here to read the guide and learn more about your next steps as a new homeowner!
Resources for Renters
Tenant Rent Stabilization Program
We work with the Somerville Homeless Coalition to help residents who are at risk of becoming homeless due to unpaid rent or utilities. We can also help with moving costs, security deposits, and other start-up costs. Our goal is to keep Somerville families stable by helping them stay in their current homes or find attainable housing. To apply, call the Somerville Homeless Coalition at (617) 623-6111.
Section 8 Rentals
Section 8 is a federal program that helps very low-income families find clean and safe private apartment rentals. The assistance is given on behalf of the individual so that participants can rent privately-owned housing. This can include single-family housing, apartments, townhouses, and condos. The Somerville Housing Authority administers the Section 8 program. You can learn more here.
Housing for People With Disabilities
Under federal law, housing providers must not discriminate against people with disabilities. They must also make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. These laws apply regardless of whether the housing is public or private. For more information, contact us at (617) 625-6600 x2577.
Utility Assistance and Energy Efficiency
Also known as Fuel Assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a state-run program to help families pay for winter heating bills. Eligible households may qualify to have a portion of their heating bills paid by the state. They’ll also receive a discounted rate on their utility bills. To see if you’re eligible, contact the City of Cambridge Department of Human Services at (617) 349-6252.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers insulation and repairs to help families stay warm and conserve fuel in the winter. If you qualify for fuel assistance, you’ll also qualify for the WAP. For more information, call (978) 459-6161.
Resource Guide for Homeless People and Very Low-Income Families
This guide is an extensive list of resources for homeless people and those who are at risk for becoming homeless. You’ll find contact information for local shelters, transitional housing, food services, emergency funding, and more. You can read the guide here.
Past Opportunities
2 BR Inclusionary Homeownership Unit Now Available; Appy by May 17th, 2018 at 11 a.m. (Expired)
A 2BR income-restricted unit is currently available for purchase to first-time homebuyers with incomes at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) please see Annual Gross Income Limits table below as the limit is adjusted by household size. This two bedroom two bath is located at 135 Willow Avenue. The purchase price is $188,197 plus a monthly condo fee of $170.02. If you are interested in purchasing this resale available through Team Jen and Lynn at Thalia Tringo & Associates Real Estate, they can be reached at [email protected]or 617-616-5091.
Please note: Offers with complete applications including a first-time homebuyers certificate or verification of enrollment in a course which will end by July 2018 and a mortgage pre-approval letter for a 30 year fixed mortgage including an interest rate/range are due by Wednesday, May 17th at 11 AM to Team Jen and Lynn.
Important Resources
- Resale Flyer
- Application and Income Verification Form
- Guide: How to Submit Your Offer and Project Timeline
- Information Packet with Eligibility Process Details
- Unit Brochure
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Inclusionary Housing Programs Income Limits 2017 PMSA Boston, MA Area Median Income Limits |
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No. of persons |
80% AMI |
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1 |
Ineligible for 2BR |
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2 |
$62,550 |
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3 |
$70,350 |
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4 |
$78,150 |
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5 |
$84,450 |
1BR Inclusionary Homeownership Unit Now Available; Apply by May 2, 2018 (EXPIRED)
A 1BR inclusionary homeownership unit is currently available for purchase to first-time homebuyers with incomes at 80% AMI or below (please see Annual Gross Income Limits table below). This 1BR, one bath is 520 sq. ft. and located at 429 Norfolk Street. It is part of a fifty unit complex, Union Place. The purchase price is $138,672 and monthly condo fee will initially be $177.00. If you are interested in purchasing this unit, please read the information packet. This unit is a resale available through Realtor, Sharon Ronkin, at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, her contact information can be found below.
Please note: Offers with complete applications including income and asset documentation are due Wednesday, May 2nd at 11 a.m.
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Annual Gross Income Limits at 80% Area Median Income Adjusted by household size for PMSA Boston, MA (2017) |
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1 person household |
$54,750 |
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2 person household |
$62,550 |
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3 person household |
$70,350 |
Contact
Sharon Ronkin CBR,GRI, CRS,REALTOR®
Senior Global Real Estate Advisor
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
N.E Prime Properties
Boston/Cambridge/North Shore
781-307-1293
E: [email protected]
56 Income-Restricted Rental Units at Montaje; Apply by November 13, 2017 (EXPIRED)
Thank you for your interest in the affordable rental units at Montaje in Assembly Row. The application period and waitlist for these units is now closed; the lottery was held on Monday, Dec. 11th 2017 at City Hall. SEB LLC, the consultant hired by Street Realty Inc. held the lottery for 56 income-restricted units available through the Inclusionary Housing Program. Click here to view a video of the lottery. One thousand seven hundred and seventy eight (1,778) complete applications for eligible households were submitted before the application deadline and included in the lottery. Only eligible households were provided with an application number before the lottery by either email or mail. After the lottery households received waitlist numbers via email or mail for the type of unit and income limit they applied for. If an email address was not provided, a letter including the waitlist number should have been received during the week of Dec. 18th 2017.
To see where you are on the waitlist, click on the link with the unit type and area median income (AMI) you were found eligible for then, look for your application number (no. 1-1,778) to find your standing on the waitlist. Households with the first numbers for each unit type at both 50% and 80% AMI have been contacted by Greystar, the management company which runs background and credit checks first. If households pass the first screening with Greystar, SEB then runs an income certification whereby households are required to fill in a Documentation Requirements Guide which was sent by SEB in an email or by mail with your application number before the lottery. Additionally, households must submit income and asset documentation for the most recent three (3) months as well as the most recent tax returns. If you have any questions regarding your lottery number or application please contact SEB at 617-782-2300 x204 or [email protected]. If you are on the waitlist and need to update your contact information please email or call Greystar at [email protected] or 617-623-0101.
Waiting Lists
- Montaje Waiting List for Studio 50% AMI Units (Two Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for 1BR 50% AMI Units (Sixteen Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for 2BR 50% AMI Units (Seven Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for Studio 50% AMI Units (Two Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for 3BR 50% AMI Units (Two Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for Studio 80% AMI Units (Two Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for 1BR 80% AMI Units (Fourteen Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for 2BR 80% AMI Units (Eight Units)
- Montaje Waiting List for 3BR 80% AMI Units (One Unit)
- Montaje Waiting List for 2BR ACCESSIBLE 50% AMI Unit (One Unit)
- Montaje Waiting List for 1BR ACCESSIBLE 80% AMI Unit (One Unit)
For information on the units and process going forward, please reference the information packet found here.
If you missed this lottery but, would like to be notified of future income-restricted rental and homeownership units available through the Inclusionary Housing Program, sign up for notifications here.