Boston, MA
Boston issued 12,750 building permits in 2025 worth over $625M in construction value.
Permits (2025)
12,750
building permits issued
Total Value
$ 625,000,000
in construction value
Median Permit
$ 5,800
typical project cost
Population
665,946
Suffolk County
Housing Units
285,000
34% homeownership
Median Built
1929
year home built
Permit Volume — 5-Year Trend
Year-over-year building permit activity in Boston.
Permit Breakdown by Type
Electrical, building, plumbing, and mechanical permits issued in 2025.
| Type | Count | Share | Median | Average | Common Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 4,335 | 34 | $3K | $4K | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Building | 3,825 | 30 | $30K | $55K | $12,000–$90,000 |
| Plumbing | 3,060 | 24 | $5K | $7K | $2,200–$9,000 |
| Mechanical/HVAC | 1,530 | 12 | $9K | $11K | $4,500–$17,000 |
Top Contractors in Boston
Most active contractors by permit count in 2025.
| Contractor | Permits | Avg Value | Most Common |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sila Heating & Air Conditioning | 680 | $8,500 | Mechanical/HVAC |
| Boston Electrical Corp | 520 | $3,800 | Electrical |
| Casco Construction Services | 340 | $42,000 | Building |
| DW Plumbing & Heating | 280 | $5,500 | Plumbing |
| Callahan Construction Managers | 110 | $85,000 | Building |
Housing Stock
House Styles
Age Distribution
Energy Rebates & Incentives
Available programs for Boston homeowners.
Heat Pump Rebate
Up to $10,000Provider: Mass Save
Eligibility: Oil/propane to heat pump conversion
Renew Boston Trust
VariesProvider: City of Boston
Eligibility: Boston commercial and nonprofit buildings
Multifamily Retrofit Program
Up to $50,000Provider: National Grid
Eligibility: Buildings with 5+ units
Nearby Towns
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many building permits were issued in Boston MA in 2025?
12,750 permits were issued in Boston, MA in 2025, with a total construction value of $625M. Electrical permits were the most common at 4,335, followed by building permits at 3,825.
How old is the average home in Boston MA?
The median year built in Boston is 1929, making the average home about 97 years old. Over 50% of housing was built before 1940, and 73% predates 1970, driving significant renovation and electrical upgrade activity.
What is the most common house style in Boston MA?
Triple deckers are the most common housing style in Boston at 20%, reflecting the city's iconic three-family wood-frame buildings. Colonials account for 18% and Victorians for 16%, with rowhouses making up 8% of the housing stock.