The local nonprofit Brookline Community Development Corporation has brought back its emergency rental assistance program. For the second round of the program, which first launched in late 2023, BCDC will provide one-time payments of up to $5,000 directly to landlords on behalf of eligible renters who are behind on rent. The goal of the program… Continue reading News in brief: New rental assistance available, town gets $100k for climate plan, Goddard House plans an upgrade
Category: Housing
Brookline residential real estate sales from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28
The second half of February was a busy period for residential property sales in Brookline, with 16 condos and four single-family homes moving. Here are the latest sales, with data from Banker and Tradesman.
Brookline Housing Authority taps state public housing official as next executive director
The Brookline Housing Authority has hired Benjamin Stone, a state housing official, as its next executive director. Stone, a Dorchester resident who is currently the undersecretary of public housing and rental assistance at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, will begin his new position on March 31. “I look forward to leading a… Continue reading Brookline Housing Authority taps state public housing official as next executive director
Development plans could mean another disruption for Japonaise Bakery
It’s been only a year and a half since bakery owner Takeo Sakan reopened Japonaise Bakery & Cafe, after sinking over two years and hundreds of thousands of dollars into a renovation. Now his landlord, who also owns the space housing The Wine Press next door, is making plans which could mean the popular bakery… Continue reading Development plans could mean another disruption for Japonaise Bakery
Brookline residential real estate sales from Feb. 1 to Feb. 14
Just eight residential properties were sold in the first half of February in Brookline. Check out the prices, size and more in the chart below, with data from Banker and Tradesman.
Q&A: Congressman Jake Auchincloss on Democrats’ constitutional fight, the Massachusetts housing crisis, and trans rights
As Democrats in Congress look to assert themselves during a chaotic, dramatic presidential transition, Brookline.News sat down with Congressman Jake Auchincloss in his Newton office to discuss the issues facing his constituents and the nation. Auchincloss, who represents Brookline and 34 other cities and towns in the Massachusetts Fourth District, answered questions from our team… Continue reading Q&A: Congressman Jake Auchincloss on Democrats’ constitutional fight, the Massachusetts housing crisis, and trans rights
Brookline residential real estate sales from Jan. 18 to Jan. 31
The second half of January saw 13 homes and condos sold in Brookline, ranging from a $631,000 condo on Beacon Street to a $2.4 million old-style single-family on Dana Street. Data from Banker and Tradesman.
Under-construction Vernon Street apartment building collapses, no injuries
The top two floors of a vacant Vernon Street apartment building collapsed on Sunday morning, according to the Brookline Fire Department. The building at 50 Vernon Street, just south of Coolidge Corner, was under construction and vacant when it partially collapsed around 10 a.m. Sunday, the department said in a Facebook post. There were no… Continue reading Under-construction Vernon Street apartment building collapses, no injuries
Maimonides School finalizing deal to sell one of its buildings to real estate developer
The Maimonides School is finalizing a sale of one of its buildings to a developer who plans to turn it into a residential building. In an email sent to parents on Feb. 5 which was shared with Brookline.News, the Jewish private school’s leaders said that they have entered into an agreement to sell their former… Continue reading Maimonides School finalizing deal to sell one of its buildings to real estate developer
Brookline residential real estate sales from Jan. 10 to Jan. 17
Here are the latest real estate sales in Brookline. A note from the editor: During busy times in real estate where there is plenty of data, we’ll plan to publish an update every week. That was certainly the case for this period from Jan. 10 to Jan. 17, which saw 17 homes or condominiums sold,… Continue reading Brookline residential real estate sales from Jan. 10 to Jan. 17
Brookline renters welcome Healey’s move to do away with tenant-paid broker fees
A new proposal from Gov. Maura Healey that would require landlords to pay the fees of real estate brokers they hire is welcome news to many Brookline renters. As it stands now, renters’ upfront costs for moving into an apartment often include first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit and a broker’s fee,… Continue reading Brookline renters welcome Healey’s move to do away with tenant-paid broker fees
Brookline residential real estate sales from Dec. 30 to Jan. 10
The new year is a slow time for real estate, but six properties, all condos, were sold in Brookline in the end of December and first half of January. See information about them below. Data provided by Banker and Tradesman.
Brookline residential real estate sales from Dec. 16 to Dec. 27
Here are the latest real estate sales in Brookline from the second half of December. Click on a column to sort by that feature, and click the arrow at the bottom to see additional pages of results. Data provided by Banker and Tradesman.
Despite long odds, a housing advocate finds an affordable apartment
Carlos Tamayo was having a tough first half of 2024. His long-term relationship had ended, and his mother had surgery for a brain tumor. There were little things too, such as losing a parking space and the tickets that followed. So Tamayo, who is 26, was shocked and excited in May when he won an… Continue reading Despite long odds, a housing advocate finds an affordable apartment
Seven stories that shaped Brookline in 2024
Our first full year as Brookline’s local news outlet was eventful and busy. It was at once challenging and joyful for myself and our team at Brookline.News. Here are some of the stories that shaped Brookline in 2024: Middle East conflict felt deeply in Brookline The Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023… Continue reading Seven stories that shaped Brookline in 2024
Brookline residential real estate sales from Dec. 2 to Dec. 13
Brookline.News is publishing information about the latest residential real estate sales in Brookline, with data provided by Banker & Tradesman, a Massachusetts real estate industry publication. We’ve added some new information to this feature, about the usage, style, age, and size of the properties which were sold. Look out for a new set of sales… Continue reading Brookline residential real estate sales from Dec. 2 to Dec. 13
Brookline residential real estate sales from Nov. 15 to Nov. 29
Today, we’re introducing a new recurring feature at Brookline.News, in which we’ll publish data about recent real estate sales. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell yourself, or keeping an eye on the market for advocacy or policymaking purposes, we hope you’ll find this information useful. We plan to publish a new tally every two… Continue reading Brookline residential real estate sales from Nov. 15 to Nov. 29
Property tax hike hits apartment buildings hardest, may impact renters
Property taxes on apartment buildings in Brookline are set to increase more than taxes on other forms of housing following the town’s latest assessments, potentially leading to higher rents for local tenants. The average assessed value of an apartment building (four units or larger) in Brookline grew 10% between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, outpacing… Continue reading Property tax hike hits apartment buildings hardest, may impact renters
Town Meeting votes to put biggest zoning changes on ice
How should Brookline make zoning changes to meet the shifting housing needs of the town? That question dominated the first two nights of Town Meeting this week. The answer that came out on top: Deliberately, slowly and as part of a broader plan. On one side of the debate was a group of residents and… Continue reading Town Meeting votes to put biggest zoning changes on ice
Town Meeting preview: Zoning changes aim to curb demolitions, increase housing
When Brookline’s Town Meeting begins on Nov. 19, elected members will consider several proposals that could change zoning rules for large portions of the town. Wondering what Town Meeting even is? Start here: our new guide to Brookline town government. Article 7, put forth by Brookline’s Planning and Community Development Department, proposes to set a… Continue reading Town Meeting preview: Zoning changes aim to curb demolitions, increase housing