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Housing Division

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What We Do

The Housing Department works to promote and maintain the socioeconomic diversity of the city by managing and implementing the City’s efforts to meet the housing needs of low-, and moderate-, and middle-income residents, and develops initiatives to preserve and expand the City's stock of affordable rental and homeownership housing.

We offer access to affordable rental and homeownership units created through City programs. We work with the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, non-profit housing providers, and the Cambridge Housing Authority to acquire, build and preserve affordable housing. We work with private developers and owners to offer access to affordable units created by the City's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. We offer First Time Homebuyer Classes, pre-purchase counseling, and financial assistance for new homebuyers, and manage the City's stock of more than 500 affordable homeownership units. We work with non-profits to offer low-interest loans to assist owners in making necessary home repairs and improvements.

To Learn More about Affordable Housing in Cambridge

  • UPDATE:  Join a virtual information session to learn more about the City's rental and homeownership programs. The schedule of upcoming sessions and links to register via Zoom can be found here. 
  • The Housing Division is currently undertaking a review of the City's affordable homeownership programs. You can learn more about the process here. 
  • Search this web site by selecting one of the sections below. There are pages of information on this website, including program guidelines, application forms, Frequently Asked Questions, contact names, and more.
  • If you have additional questions please click on this email address housing@cambridgema.gov and send your questions to the Housing Department. Or you may call the Housing Department at 617/349-4622.
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    For Applicants

    Are you looking for housing in Cambridge? The Housing Department offers a variety of rental and ownership programs, as well as information on other housing providers in Cambridge.

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    Housing Development

    The City of Cambridge works with non-profit partners and the Cambridge Housing Authority to acquire, develop and preserve affordable housing throughout the City.

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    For Homebuyers

    If you are considering buying a home, the Housing Department can help. We offer a free First-Time Homebuyer class, as well as classes such as Credit to help you get ready to purchase. There are also financial programs to help income-eligible buyers with a downpayment and more.

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    Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust

    The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust is a nine-member board whose mission is to expand and protect affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge. Acting as both a policy advisory board and a loan committee, Trust members bring expertise in a wide range of housing-related fields.