Are Land Trusts the Missing Piece of Affordability Puzzle?
The mission of community land trusts is right in the name: community. But they require new funding sources to expand beyond small-scale projects.
Two Big Ideas Could Make Chapter 40B Even Better
A Healey administration commission has floated two ways to the state’s most successful housing production law to date even more successful and extend its lifespan.
Writing a New Chapter in West End Housing
Patrick Kimble learned the finer points of commercial real estate at BXP and The Davis Companies before founding a firm that’s starting to make its mark in the affordable housing sector
Housing Policy Ripe for Reforms
Just two reforms proposed by Gov. Maura Healey’s Unlocking Housing Production Commission could, on their own, generate thousands of new housing units. And the state Legislature wouldn’t have to lift a finger.
Niches in Hospitality Create Redesign Demand
From the Back Bay to the Bulfinch Triangle, local lodging properties are taking on a new look with updates designed by JCJ Architecture and firm principal Harry Wheeler.
A&S Clauses Take on New Importance in Lease Negotiations
With so much sublease space on the market in Boston’s biotech sector, well-crafted assignment and sublet clause are vital to give landlords and tenants a clear framework to reduce the risk of disputes.
The Pros and Cons of Hotel Franchise Agreements
There are good reasons for hotel owners to affiliate with national brands such as Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. But these deals come with costs.
Hotel Market Demand Shows No Let-Up
As Massachusetts prepares to welcome conventioneers and tourists to a busy schedule of upcoming events, record hotel room rates are becoming the new normal.
Why Hotel Investors Are Lining Up in Boston
Boston’s hotel market offers a rare commodity in today’s CRE environment: predictable growth in a world of unpredictability.
Boston Hotel Market Trends for 2025
Boston’s strong and well-balanced economy has been key to the recovery of Boston’s hotel industry post-COVID, garnering strong interest from the investment community.
Housing Takes Center Stage in Brockton Developments
In the current development climate, multifamily housing takes top billing in major projects in various stages of planning across Massachusetts, including in the Gateway City of Brockton.
More Private Dorm Developments Making the Grade
Private developers are eager to build student housing in Boston. And city officials want more college students out of the rental market. But new dorms face thorny neighborhood politics to make it happen.
Advice for Developers Fills the Luxury Market Niches
Over the past four decades in Boston-area luxury brokerage, Sue Hawkes has followed the market’s shifts during up-and-down cycles. Now, her firm is casting an eye towards the suburbs.
Wall Street Investors Return to Boston Bidding Pool
Institutional investors returned to bidder pools for apartment complexes on the market in Greater Boston during 2024, resulting in more competitive sales processes and driving up prices.
‘Affordable Housing’ Has a Special Meaning in Mass.
Before joining the chorus of promoters of “affordable housing,” one might want to consider the meaning of that term, and its consequences.
Medford Mayor Objects to Tufts Dorm
Tufts University is trying to reduce the impact its students have on the local rental market. And a state law could help them overcome neighbors’ opposition.
Beacon Hill Gives a Reprieve to Housing Developers
A two-year permit extension in recent state legislation throws multifamily developers a lifeline – but no silver bullet to overcome still-high obstacles to housing projects breaking ground.
Declining New Construction Has Driven Boston Apartment Pricing Higher
Greater Boston leaders should aim to make sure we have a real-time vacancy rate of at least 6 percent if they want to drive down rents. Lower affordability requirements can help.
Will Multifamily Gain Momentum North of Boston in 2025?
New Hampshire’s multifamily housing market faces a murky future heading into the new year, as cautious developers, bankers and investors wait to see how interest rates and the economy unfold.
Apartment Rent Increases Set to Continue in 2025
Given the ongoing lack of new supply in both the urban and suburban markets of Boston and continued growth in demand, we expect rents to grow at 3.5 percent next year.
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