Top 5 Multi-Family Homes for Sale in Boston This Week: South Boston, Dorchester, Charlestown, East Boston & Allston

Published: October 13, 2026
By: Charles King, Boston Multi-Family & Investment Property Specialist
Data source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026

Boston’s multi-family market gives investors and owner-occupants real choices this week. The five standout listings span South Boston, Dorchester, Charlestown, East Boston, and Allston. Together they add up to 16 units, with asking prices from $1,399,000 to $1,680,000. The short version: four-families in East Boston and Dorchester offer the most units for the money right now, while South Boston, Charlestown, and Allston cost more per unit in exchange for high-demand locations.

I work with Boston multi-family buyers every week, from first-time owner-occupants buying their first two-family to seasoned investors adding doors to a portfolio. Here is what’s worth a look this week and how I’d think about each one.

1. 683 E 5th Street, South Boston, MA 02127 (3-Family, $1,579,000)

South Boston has some of the most consistent rental demand in the city. It is close to downtown and the Seaport, and its beaches and parks keep young professionals signing leases year after year. At about $526,333 per unit, this three-family costs the most per unit of this week’s three- and four-family listings. That premium reflects the neighborhood’s track record.

What it means: This is a buy for investors who put tenant demand and long-term appreciation ahead of maximum day-one cash flow.

2. 14-16 Carson Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 (4-Family, $1,680,000)

Dorchester is Boston’s largest neighborhood and the heart of the city’s classic multi-family housing stock. This four-family has the highest total asking price on the list, but at $420,000 per unit it is the second-best value per door this week. Four units also spread your vacancy risk: one empty unit means a 25% income gap, not 33% or 50%.

What it means: This listing suits investors who want income diversification across four units at a mid-range price per door.

3. 25 Allston Street, Charlestown, MA 02129 (3-Family, $1,499,000)

Charlestown combines historic character, a strong owner-occupant market, and quick access to downtown. It also has a smaller supply of multi-family homes than Dorchester or East Boston. At about $499,667 per unit, this three-family offers a Charlestown address at a lower cost per unit than this week’s South Boston option.

What it means: This one fits buyers who want a neighborhood with deep end-user demand, which supports both rental strength and future resale.

4. 40 Jeffries Street, East Boston, MA 02128 (4-Family, $1,450,000)

East Boston’s Jeffries Point area sits near the harbor with Blue Line access. It has been one of the city’s most-watched neighborhoods for investors. This four-family is the best price per unit on the list at $362,500, and it is the only four-family here under $1.5 million.

What it means: For cash-flow-focused investors, this is the strongest unit-count-per-dollar play this week.

5. 39-41 Westford Street, Allston, MA 02134 (2-Family, $1,399,000)

Allston draws steady rental demand from students, university staff, and young professionals. This two-family has the lowest total asking price on the list. At $699,500 per unit, though, it costs the most per door, because the price is spread over only two units.

What it means: This is a strong fit for an owner-occupant who wants to live in one unit and let the other help cover the mortgage.

How Do These Boston Multi-Families Compare on Price per Unit?

Price per unit is the quickest way to compare multi-families of different sizes. Across this week’s five listings, the average asking price is about $475,438 per unit (16 units, $7,607,000 total asking).

The spread tells a clear story:

• Most units for the money: East Boston ($362,500/unit) and Dorchester ($420,000/unit)
• Mid-range, high-demand locations: Charlestown ($499,667/unit) and South Boston ($526,333/unit)
• Owner-occupant premium: Allston two-family ($699,500/unit)

What it means: There is no single “best” listing here. The right choice depends on whether you’re optimizing for cash flow, appreciation, or a place to live.

What Should Investors Check Before Buying a Boston Multi-Family?

Price per unit gets you in the door, but the numbers that decide a deal come from the rent roll and the building itself. Before making an offer, I walk my investor clients through a few essentials. First, review current leases, rents, and lease end dates against realistic market rents for that neighborhood. Second, confirm who pays heat and utilities, and whether each unit has separate meters. Third, look at the building’s condition: roof, heating systems, porches, and electrical, which drive your near-term capital costs. Finally, check Massachusetts compliance items such as lead paint certification for pre-1978 homes, along with smoke and carbon monoxide requirements.

What it means: Two buildings at the same price per unit can perform very differently. Inspect the leases and the building as carefully as the asking price.

Can You Live in One Unit and Rent the Others?

Yes, and for many Boston buyers it is the smartest first step into real estate investing. Owner-occupants can often access loan programs with lower down payments than investor financing. They may be able to count projected rental income toward qualifying, and they may be eligible for Boston’s residential tax exemption. This week’s Allston two-family and either three-family (South Boston or Charlestown) are natural candidates for this strategy.

What it means: If you’ve been renting in Boston, a multi-family where your tenants help pay your mortgage may be more within reach than you think. Talk to a lender early.

What This Means for Boston Multi-Family Sellers

For owners of two- to four-family properties in South Boston, Dorchester, Charlestown, East Boston, and Allston, these listings set the competitive context buyers are comparing against right now. Buyers are evaluating price per unit, rent rolls, and building condition side by side. Sellers who present clean lease documentation, recent rent history, and completed compliance paperwork give buyers the confidence to move quickly.

What it means: If you’re thinking about selling a Boston multi-family, have your rent roll and building records organized before you list.

October 2026 Outlook for Boston Multi-Family Buyers

Fall typically brings fewer competing buyers than spring. That can give serious investors more room to negotiate on price, inspection terms, and closing timelines. With this week’s listings ranging from $362,500 to $699,500 per unit across five distinct neighborhoods, there is a real opportunity for buyers who are prepared and pre-approved. If one of these properties caught your eye, or you want help running the numbers on any Boston multi-family, I’d be glad to talk it through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a multi-family home cost in Boston right now?

This week’s top five Boston multi-family listings are asking between $1,399,000 and $1,680,000, with an average asking price of about $475,438 per unit across 16 total units. Two-families tend to carry the highest price per unit, while four-families in East Boston and Dorchester offer the lowest. Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026.

Which Boston neighborhood has the lowest price per unit for multi-family homes?

Among this week’s top listings, East Boston leads on value: the four-family at 40 Jeffries Street is asking $1,450,000, or about $362,500 per unit. Dorchester is next, with the four-family at 14-16 Carson Street asking $1,680,000, or $420,000 per unit. Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026.

What is a three-family home listed for in South Boston?

The three-family at 683 East 5th Street in South Boston is asking $1,579,000, which works out to about $526,333 per unit. That is the highest price per unit among this week’s three- and four-family listings, reflecting South Boston’s strong rental demand and proximity to downtown and the Seaport. Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026.

Are there multi-family homes for sale in Charlestown?

Yes. The three-family at 25 Allston Street in Charlestown is asking $1,499,000, or about $499,667 per unit. Charlestown has a smaller supply of multi-family housing than Dorchester or East Boston, so well-priced listings tend to draw attention from both investors and owner-occupants. Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026.

Why does the Allston two-family cost more per unit than the other listings?

The two-family at 39-41 Westford Street in Allston is asking $1,399,000, or about $699,500 per unit, the highest in this week’s group. Two-families spread the purchase price over fewer units and appeal strongly to owner-occupants, who often pay a premium to live in one unit and rent the other. Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026.

Is it a good time to buy a multi-family home in Boston?

Fall typically brings fewer competing buyers than spring, which can give investors more room to negotiate on price, inspections, and closing timelines. With this week’s top listings ranging from $362,500 to $699,500 per unit, buyers can choose between maximizing unit count and buying in higher-demand neighborhoods. Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026; Charles King agent observations, October 2026.

Can I live in one unit of a Boston multi-family and rent out the others?

Yes, and it is one of the most common ways Boston buyers get into investment property. Owner-occupants can often qualify for loan programs with lower down payments than pure investor loans, may count projected rental income toward qualifying, and may be eligible for Boston’s residential tax exemption. This week’s Allston two-family at $1,399,000 is the lowest total asking price in the group (Source: MLSPIN active listings, week of October 13, 2026); confirm financing terms with your lender.

All data sourced from MLSPIN. Multi-family active listings, week of October 13, 2026.
Published by the Charles King Group, Hingham, MA.

Charles King is a Boston multi-family and investment property specialist who works with investors and owner-occupants across the city. Charles King Group is a top-producing real estate team serving the South Shore (Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover, and surrounding towns), Boston, Cape Cod, Metro West, Northern Middlesex & the Merrimack Valley, and Bristol County. Brokered by Real Broker MA, LLC. Ranked in the top 1.5% of agents nationwide by Real Trends.