Massachusetts is making a major push for more housing near public transit, and that has big implications for commercial property owners. If you own property near an MBTA train station, recent zoning changes might have quietly increased its value. The MBTA Communities Act requires dozens of cities and towns across the state to zone for multi-family housing near transit stops—whether commuter rail, subway, or certain bus rapid transit stations. This initiative is aimed at increasing housing supply by encouraging walkable, transit-oriented development (TOD).
If your property is in one of these qualifying zones, you may now be allowed to build more units, go higher with your development, or increase your density—all without needing a special variance. Even if you have no immediate plans to redevelop, these zoning updates can significantly impact your land’s marketability. Increased development potential often translates directly to higher land value. Developers are actively seeking TOD sites, and properties that support more units by right become much more attractive to them.
The real opportunity here is flexibility. A property that allows for greater density isn’t just worth more—it’s also easier to sell, lease, or reposition. You may be holding a more powerful asset than you realize, just by virtue of being located in the right place at the right time.
If you think your property might fall within one of these new MBTA zoning areas, it’s a smart move to get a professional zoning review. You could be sitting on untapped potential—and in today’s market, that kind of hidden value is worth uncovering.