About MassHousing

A photo of MassHousing's office lobby showing the Agency's mission statement

Who We Are

MassHousing is an independent, self-supporting public agency that was created by an act of the legislature in 1966 to increase housing opportunities in Massachusetts.

Over the past 60 years, we have provided more than $32 billion in financing to support the creation and preservation of ~92,000 rental units and to help 90,000+ people buy a home in the Commonwealth.

An aerial view of the Brighton neighborhood of Boston

What We Do

As the state’s housing bank, we raise money by selling taxable and tax-exempt bonds, and use the proceeds to make loans to income-eligible homebuyers and homeowners, and to the owners and developers of affordable and mixed-income housing communities.

We also work to promote economic growth and empowerment for families, individuals, and businesses; help communities increase and improve their housing stock; provide hope and homes for vulnerable populations; and look for new, cost-effective ways to provide equitable housing opportunities.

Massachusetts Households are Cost-Burdened

The number of households considered cost-burdened continues to grow. 25% of middle-income households and 75% of very low-income households pay more than 30% of their income on housing. Teachers, nurses, service industry workers, and single-parent households need more options.

Housing Vacancy is Chronically Low

Demand for housing has far outpaced supply. Decades of slow housing production has resulted in a vacancy rate of just 1.6% in Massachusetts. A healthy housing vacancy rate is 2.6%.

Housing is too Expensive

Since 2000, the median home price in Massachusetts has increased 73%. Meanwhile, between 2010 and 2019, low- and moderate-income homebuyers accounted for less than 25% of home purchases.

Our Housing Stock is Old and Inefficient

Massachusetts is home to some of the oldest housing stock in the nation. Roughly two-thirds of residential buildings in the Commonwealth were built before 1980 and have inefficient envelopes and systems, which contribute to high energy costs.

Communities Have Unique Housing Needs and Opportunities

Of the roughly 3 million residential structures in Massachusetts, 2.6 million contain 1-4 residential units. Cities and towns need creative solutions to the housing challenges facing their neighborhoods and residents.

Quick Links

Leadership

The Members of MassHousing and our senior executives.

Meet our leadership team

Careers

Join our team of talented professionals.

View career opportunities

Financials

Annual reports, financial statements and other investor information.

View financial information

Accountability & Transparency

We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous improvement.

Learn about accountability and transparency at MassHousing

Public Records Access

Information made available in accordance with Massachusetts’ Public Records Law.

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Information Security

How we safeguard information in our possession.

View the policy