Ballot proposal would allow homes on smaller lots in Mass.

If it feels harder than ever to buy a home in Massachusetts, you’re not imagining it.

But supporters of a new ballot proposal say it could help ease the state’s housing shortage and make homeownership more attainable.

It would change the way neighborhoods are built by allowing single-family homes on much smaller lots than currently permitted in many communities.

What the Legalize Starter Homes proposal would do

The group Legalize Starter Homes is pushing to get a question on the Massachusetts ballot that would expand where smaller homes can be built.

Under the proposal, a single-family home could be constructed on a lot if it meets a few basic requirements:

• At least 5,000 square feet of land
• 50 feet of frontage on a street
• Access to water and sewer infrastructure

That’s significantly smaller than what many towns currently require.

“It’s uncommon to have lot size requirements in the suburbs that are lower than 10,000 square feet,” said Andrew Mikula, chair of the Legalize Starter Homes Ballot Committee. “In a lot of places, it’s half an acre or more.”

Why supporters say smaller lots could help affordability

Advocates argue that relaxing lot size rules could make it easier to build more homes — especially entry-level housing.

Right now, the income needed to afford a typical starter home in the Boston area is out of reach for many buyers.

“The minimum income you need to buy an entry-level home, according to Boston Indicators, in the region is $162,000 a year,” Mikula said.

By allowing homes on smaller lots, supporters say construction costs could come down, opening the door for more buyers.

What this could look like in neighborhoods

The changes could have a noticeable impact in residential areas across Massachusetts.

Imagine a backyard, or even a space roughly the size of a basketball court, becoming the site of a new home.

For some homeowners, that idea is already appealing.

“My husband has mobility issues, and if we could build in our backyard, that would be amazing,” said Newton homeowner Beth Sagan. “We love the neighborhood. We don’t want to move.”

Local control would still remain

Even if the proposal passes, cities and towns wouldn’t lose all say over development.

Communities could still set rules around:

• Building height
• Parking requirements
• Spacing between homes

Supporters say the measure is designed to add flexibility, not override local planning entirely.

Part of a larger housing debate in Massachusetts

Housing experts say this proposal is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

“Our housing systems are broken, not just individual policies,” said Jonathan Berk, board chair of Abundant Housing Massachusetts. “There is no one silver bullet solution to our housing crisis.”

The push comes as other housing options, like accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are becoming more popular statewide.

Meanwhile, the Healey administration has set a goal of building 222,000 new homes between 2025 and 2035.

Supporters of the ballot initiative believe their plan could help meet that demand.

“We anticipate that this could do up to 20% of that goal,” Mikula said.

What happens next

The proposal is still working its way toward the ballot.

A decision on whether it qualifies could come as soon as early July 2026.

If it does make it on the ballot, Massachusetts voters will ultimately decide whether smaller lots — and more flexible housing options — should become the norm across the state.