Boston’s ADU Financial Assistance Program combines City staff support, a design and permitting grant, a deferred City loan, and possible financing from partner banks. The City page currently presents an application route, but applicants must meet the program’s income, asset, property, workshop, and design prerequisites. The page does not promise an award or guarantee that a partner lender will offer a loan.
What the City publishes
The Boston Home Center lists a technical-assistance grant of up to US$7,500 for eligible design and permitting soft costs. It is a reimbursement: the City says the homeowner must first receive an approved building permit and enroll in the Boston Home Center ADU Loan Program.
The City loan offers up to US$50,000 as 0% interest gap financing for construction costs. The City says repayment is deferred and becomes due if the owner sells, transfers ownership, or takes a cash-out refinance. The loan is disbursed in construction installments after monitoring inspections. Households below 120% AMI do not have an owner-match requirement; the page says households at 120–135% AMI must provide a one-to-one match. Income eligibility and loan terms are decided by the City.
Eligible applicants must own and occupy a one-, two-, or three-unit home in Boston and build the ADU on that property. The City lists other prerequisites, including attending both its ADU Design and Budget Workshops within three months before applying, working with a licensed architect, and being current on specified housing-related payments. Review the current application checklist for the complete rules.
Follow the application sequence
The City advises homeowners to complete the workshops, develop plans with an architect, prepare project costs, and submit required documents. After City enrollment, an eligible homeowner may seek additional financing from a participating bank. Partner-bank terms and underwriting are separate from City eligibility.
Ask the Boston Home Center to confirm the current income table, application acceptance, eligible reimbursements, loan amount, and repayment documents. A City program review does not replace Inspectional Services Department approval, local zoning, utility checks, or a building permit.
For a cross-location comparison, see the ADU grants and programs guide. For Boston’s broader support and the difference between help with soft costs and fees, see the fee-waiver and assistance guide.