CommonWealth Builder awards to fund starter homes in Boston and beyond

by Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

May 28, 2026

Mission Hill Pathway will receive CommonWealth Builder funding. (Image courtesy of ODJ DEV LLC, Oxbow Urban)

MassHousing pledged $24.5 million in CommonWealth Builder awards toward the creation of 123 new affordable homes for first-time homebuyers.

The funding will cover construction and other financing gaps to encourage the development of affordable, purchasable homes.

“We know Massachusetts needs more homes, and that includes more homes that working families can afford to buy,” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said in a press release. “These awards will help turn vacant and underused sites into new homeownership opportunities while supporting first-time buyers who are ready to put down roots here.”

Here’s a breakdown of some of the projects receiving CommonWealth Builder funding:

27-29 Hancock Street, Boston

Nonprofit developer Fenway Forward plans to add 15 condos reserved for homebuyers earning up to 100% or 80% of the area median income. Estimated prices for the homes range from $199,314 to $368,973. With construction starting later this year, the project is scheduled for completion in spring 2028.

Mission Hill Pathway, Boston

This five-story condo project, a collaboration between Mission Hill Pathway, Oxbow Urban, DVM Housing Partners and JGE Development will replace a vacant city-owned lot. The 48 condos will be sold to homeowners making up to 80% or 100% of the area median income. Prices will likely range from $199,314 to $368,973 once the condos are completed in spring 2029.

NUBA Homes, Boston

Urbanica Inc. will construct NUBA Homes, a 45-unit condo project spanning six stories. The Roxbury development will serve households earning up to 120%, 100% and 80% of the area median income. Estimated prices start at $241,977 and cap at $445,590.

Construction will begin later this year and may wrap up as soon as fall 2028.

Thatcher House B1, Brockton

This project will add 15 “family-sized” townhomes as part of a larger redevelopment of the Our Lady of Sorrows convent campus. The income-restricted units will cost an estimated $308,500 to $356,300 with delivery set for fall 2028. Ultimately, the partnership between the Planning Office and the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother will create160 new affordable homes across multiple phases.