Somerville Home Improvement Program (HIP)

How it works

Somerville’s Home Improvement Program provides loans to owner-occupied or investor-owned buildings with up to seven units in Somerville. The city says the program is funded through the Housing Division’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation and that properties are pre-screened and placed on a waitlist based on the work needed and applicant eligibility.

What the money covers

The city describes the program as focused on building code and health-and-safety repairs in low- to moderate-income properties. The page states that the loan balance is due when the property is sold, transferred, or refinanced for cash.

Amounts and matching

The page gives these funding levels:

• Up to $50,000 per unit for Health and Safety or other Pre-Screening Priorities Tool scope areas
• Up to $7,500 per unit for Lead Paint Hazards
• Up to $10,000 per unit for Heating System work
• Up to $15,000 per unit when converting a heating system from fossil to electric source

How to apply

Interested property owners and renters are directed to submit an interest form. The city says projects are prioritized using its Pre-screening Prioritization Tool.

Timing and deadlines

The page does not list a fixed deadline. It says funding availability affects whether a property can move forward, and applicants may be waitlisted.