Opinion
Mass. Needs Honesty About Housing Production
Maybe it’s time elected leaders should try radical honesty about what it will take to build so many homes that prices come down.
Legalizing Starter Homes Is Not Radical. It’s Overdue
A question likely headed for the ballot this fall will speak volumes about who our housing system is designed to accommodate – and who it leaves behind.
Down Payment Assistance Available for Middle-Income Borrowers
Need help coming up with a down payment? It’s there for the asking. And it’s not just for low-income buyers, anymore.
The American Dream Is Wobbling in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities
They’ve been launching pads for families to obtain a better life. But Massachusetts is neglecting support for homeownership and entrepreneurship.
Do You Have the Right Insurance on Your Home?
Calamity can hit at any time, whether it’s by Mother Nature, a broken pipe inside a wall or some other disaster. But does your insurance match your risks?
Mass. Gateway Cities’ Big Assets Make Big Impacts
Massachusetts’ 26 Gateway Cities are important hubs, cultural centers and seats of government. They also have large sites ready for development and redevelopment.
Springfield Ties Future to Gaming
The MGM casino revitalized an area of the city heavily damaged in a 2011 tornado. It’s now generating millions of dollars in taxes and thousands of permanent jobs.
Can Trump Make Housing Great Again?
Wouldn’t it be better to see our mad emperor channel some of his maniacal energy into the idea of tackling an increasingly dire housing crisis?
Mass. Can Overcome Local Control Arguments with Permitting Reforms
Permitting reforms can still accelerate housing production in Massachusetts this year, while avoiding much of the controversy surrounding state-driven zoning reforms.
Don’t Turn Your Loan Problem into a Tax Problem
The prospects of refinancing many office projects are low, given their plummeting valuations. But resolving this with a deed in lieu of foreclosure carries unique tax implications.
Rental Scams Targeting Renters on the Rise, Too
More than half the people who told federal watchdogs they were ripped off by a rental scam said it had originated on Facebook or Craigslist.
The Boston Luxury Condo Market’s Big Cooldown
Hot it is not. In fact, stone cold might be a more apt descriptor of downtown Boston’s once sizzling multimillion-dollar luxury condominium scene.
Smaller, Better New Houses Coming
Bigger isn’t always better. Going into the spring shopping season, buyers looking for newly built houses will find places that are smaller, but just as functional.
Mass. Transportation Plans Are Working – and Must Continue
Last year, state leaders set specific priorities and followed through. But as we begin 2026, we should not confuse incremental progress for long-term success.
Building for Resilience in a Climate-Affected Construction Landscape
From physical risks to scheduling delays to evolving building codes, climate change’s growing impact on healthcare construction requires proactive planning.
In Housing Fights, It’s Healey Vs. the Homeowner-Voters
Gov. Maura Healey’s “State Land for Homes” push is putting her and the public good on a collision course with a vocal minority that’s used to calling the shots.
The Latest Scam for Homeowners: Fake Utility Billing Websites
It’s the latest scam levied against unaware homeowners. And what makes it so dangerous is that criminals aren’t just blasting out random emails.
2025 Was a Landmark Year for Housing Reform
What once seemed politically impossible is now happening across red, blue and purple states alike, in ways that should inspire us here in Massachusetts.
Why Local Banking Is Essential for Massachusetts
Amid a wave of innovation, one truth remains: local banking remains essential – not just for convenience, but for the economic health of Massachusetts.
The Most Important B&T Guest Columns You Should Have Read in 2025
These pieces charted the challenges, innovations, big ideas and criticism in the real estate, housing policy and urbanism worlds.
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