Nov 6, 2026 - Real Estate

Mass. Question 7, proposing smaller lot sizes for homes, fails

Steph Solis

Illustration of three rows of identical houses on a blue background, with one of the houses replaced with a lock. — Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios

Opponents narrowly defeated a ballot measure to reduce minimum lot sizes statewide to spur housing production across Massachusetts, the Associated Press says.

The big picture: The results preserves Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns ability to control the residential landscape in their communities, but shows voters are desperate for more housing stock.

"The fact that this proposal came so close demonstrates the growing recognition that Massachusetts must rethink its approach to housing development," Kristen Keegan, president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, said in a statement Friday.

Driving the news: The AP called Question 7 Friday afternoon, with 50.6% of the vote against and 49.4% for it.

Axios Boston has reached out to Legalize Starter Homes, the campaign behind the proposal, for comment.

By the numbers: The margin fell below 33,000 votes, with 1,288,536 voters voting against Question 7, AP reported, at 2:02pm with 99% of votes counted.

At that point, 1,255,595 voters supported the ballot measure.

Add Axios on Google

Mass. Question 7, proposing smaller lot sizes for homes, fails

More Boston stories