Eligible Massachusetts homeowners can secure a fixed-rate second mortgage up to $250,000 for adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADUs) built on their properties.
Up to 900 square feet, an ADU provides a homeowner with a free-standing or attached unit for aging parents, other relatives, or as full- or part-time rental units. ADUs are viewed by many towns as a means to help lessen the shortage in housing without overly taxing a town’s utilities, road maintenance, and land requirements for new construction.
The ADU loan program, offered by MassHousing, helps “more families move from plans and permits to construction.” The state maintains that the loan program removes a major hurdle; ADU construction has been “tricky” since an ADU creates two dwellings on lots zoned for single-family use.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Meeting income limits up to 135% of the area median income (AMI),
- Having approved construction designs/permits, and
- Passing standard loan underwriting.
During the first six months of 2025, over 550 ADU had been approved in the Commonwealth. ADU applications and approvals in Plymouth? I have yet to hear back from Zoning Inspector Spencer Dancause.
If you would like ADU zoning requirements and other ADU information contact: Steve Feldman at Steve.F.com or (617) 417-3125.