As many workers have shifted to remote or hybrid work schedules, empty office buildings in Boston have led to less foot traffic in once vibrant downtown areas.  In order to help curb the high vacancy rates in downtown office buildings and also encourage housing development, Boston is implementing a program to offer tax incentives for [...]

Prior to the 1820s, the Back Bay was literally a saltwater bay that was used for mill operations. However, due to intense overcrowding in Boston as the city became a popular manufacturing and shipping hub, developers saw Back Bay as an area with a lot of potential for urban renewal. By the 1880s after large-scale landfilling in the bay there [...]

The majority of Boston apartments are on one of two rental cycles: September 1 – August 31 or June 1 – May 31. Historically, September 1 has always been the main moving day in Boston. This is largely due to the fact that Boston has a lot of colleges, and most students move in on September 1; but in addition to students, those that work in academic settings also tend to follow this rental cycle.

June 1 is the second most popular moving day. In addition to avoiding the September 1 moving rush, it also tends to be a popular time for those moving to Boston for new jobs. 

While moving on and around those days can be more difficult logistically due to the number of others moving at the same time, these large turnover dates also mean that these move dates offer the largest available inventory - so you are likely to have the most apartment options if you are looking to move on either June 1 or September 1.

There are of course apartments that become available throughout the year. For example, full-service high-rise buildings offer more flexibility. These properties often offer leases that are not strictly for 12 months and they also offer leases that start and end in the middle of the month.  So if you are looking in the winter, when inventory can be sparse, consider looking in full-service buildings.

See our current rental inventory here. 

Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most historic neighborhoods, known for its charming cobblestone streets, elegant brick townhouses, and proximity to the Massachusetts State House. It is located in the heart of the city and is bordered by the Charles River, the Boston Common, and Back Bay. Beacon Hill is a highly sought-after neighborhood for [...]

With Boston being one of the most competitive housing markets in America, staging is crucial in selling a home. Proper staging attracts more buyers to your listing and can be the difference in a buyer making an offer on your home instead of other homes on the market; it can help your home sell faster and for more money.  Here are some tips [...]

Similar to the rest of the country, the Boston real estate market seems to be experiencing somewhat of a slow-down.

What does a "slow down" mean?  Sale prices are leveling or decreasing, and homes are taking longer to sell.  You likely won't see many agents calling Boston a "Buyer's Market" just yet, but we are starting to see a shift to [...]

How is the Boston real estate market in 2022? LINK Boston's second quarter report shows that Boston's condo market is still strong. Condo values in many of Boston's core neighborhoods (which LINK refers to as "Citywide") remain high, which is illustrated in the 20 year price index (appreciation rate) [...]

Earlier this month, we were fortunate to have a private presentation from Debra Taylor, President of LINK Listing Information Network, to review some of the latest data and statistics on Boston's housing market. 

Some of the key takeaways:

The Boston market is stabilizing, not riding a bubble or coming off a cliff. This is due to a strong [...]

Boston's Spring housing market tends to be the busiest time of the year for condos and single families, and for good reasons. With the school year ending, and with most leases ending on 5/31 or 8/31 rental cycles in Boston, it is a good time for sellers as well as buyers to make their moves.  Weather gets warmer, streets and homes look beautiful, and the home search can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially after the Winter months.

For buyers, Spring is a great time to look because that’s when there is the most inventory on the market, and buyers have the most choices (although that can generate more competition with other buyers, higher prices, and potential bidding wars). Often sellers will wait until the Spring to list homes for sale, so this time of year can offer the most variety. Also, buyers can get a better sense of the neighborhoods with more outdoor activities starting in the Spring, and people being out and about in the neighborhood during the warmer days. And of course, homes show much better once plants come out, so you can appreciate the full potential of a property and the neighborhood.

For sellers, listing a home in the Spring is a good time for mostly the same reasons. Homes look much nicer in the spring: grass is coming out, flowers are blooming, and with more daylight available for showings, homes can look bright, cheerful and inviting! More buyers are looking this time of year, so sellers are more likely to get the best price for their property. And buyers who spent time looking over the Winter (when there is less to choose from and weather is not as cooperative) can appreciate the right property when it comes around, and are eager to snatch it up!

Did you know one of Boston's most desirable neighborhoods used to be a swamp?  It's true.  In the mid 1850's, the area was wetlands, a tidal bay.  Trains brought in gravel from places like Needham to fill in the 700 acres now known as the Back Bay.  These days, the Back Bay is considered to be one of Boston's top neighborhoods, with its stately brownstones, quaint shopping and top-notch restaurants. Talk about places in demand, according to LINK, the Back Bay had 112 condo sales in Q4 of 2021 with an average selling price of $2,972,135 and an average price per square foot of $1,555 (12% higher than 2020).

It is perhaps the most walkable part of the City.  The streets are a grid laid out in alphabetical order starting at Arlington Street. It's a short stroll to Fenway Park, Copley Place and the Prudential Center. In fact you can walk to all of the attractions in this area of the City, and it's one of the top areas in the City for bike riders.

Some of the most popular spots in the Back Bay:

Charles River Esplanade – Perfect for afternoon exercise, this State-owned park stretches in a 17 mile loop along the Charles River. It is one of Back Bay’s most popular spots when the weather warms up and is filled with playgrounds, hiking, and biking trails. You won't find a better place in the city for a picturesque run, walk, or picnic!  Watch the sailboats or rowers out on the river. It's THE place to be for the annual 4th of July concert by the Boston Pops and fireworks show at the Hatch Shell.

Newbury Street - Running from the Public Garden through Brookline Ave., Newbury Street is best known for its high-end shops and restaurants. Still, there is something for everyone and it is a wonderful place to wander and spend an afternoon.

Public Garden - The famous George Washington statue is there to greet you as you enter the Public Garden at the end of Commonwealth Ave.  It's one of the most photographed green spaces in the Country, let alone in Boston.  Sit under a tree in the shade and read a good book, or maybe take the kids and enjoy a ride on the iconic swan boats, or pose for a picture by the Make Way for Ducklings statues.

Boston Public Library - This Library has over 23-million items, making it one of the largest collections in the Country. It includes pieces from William Shakespeare, Mozart and the personal library of John Adams. Historian David McCullough called it one of the five most important libraries in the United States. Grab a coffee and read a book or make a reservation to have an elegant 90 minute dining experience at the Courtyard Tea Room.  Located in Copley Square, the Boston Public Library is a wonderful Back Bay treasure.