Investment Analysis — 42 Howard St

Cambridge, MA 02139

Based on HUD Small Area Fair Market Rent for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, a 4-bedroom in 02139 carries an estimated $5,300/mo in gross rent — about a 3.43% cap rate and $39,472/yr in estimated NOI at the $1,150,000 list price. Adjust every assumption in the calculator below.

View Standard Listing

Beds

Baths

SqFt

1,834

Style

Single Family

Built

1894

Available for the first time in nearly 50 years, 42 Howard St presents a unique opportunity to create the perfect Cambridge home for the imaginative buyer. What is currently a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom multifamily could be transformed into a comfortable 4+ bedroom single family by removing the second-floor kitchen and renovating the rest to your liking. In its current form, this house features well-proportioned bedrooms, spacious kitchens with islands, high ceilings, laundry hookups on the first and second floor, and the cherry on top: parking AND a large backyard. Now it's just waiting for the right person to bring it back to life. Centrally located near Harvard University, Harvard Business School, MIT, and Boston University. Surrounded by top notch restaurants and a vibrant arts and culture scene, plus Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and other daily conveniences. Less than a 1/2 mile in either direction via Western Ave are the Central Square T station and Charles River green spaces and parks. Unbeatable location and value for the savvy homebuyer! Ask about possible 203k loan options to help you create your ideal space and build instant equity. (Also listed as a multi-family, MLS #73584775)

ADU Potential

Massachusetts allows one accessory dwelling unit by right in single-family zoning districts statewide (M.G.L. c. 40A §3; 760 CMR 71.00, effective Feb 2025). Estimated maximum ADU size for this property: 900 sq ft (the lesser of 900 sq ft or half the 1,834 sq ft principal dwelling). Lot size: 3,600 sq ft.

Based on listing data, which indicates the property type — not the zoning district. Local dimensional, septic (Title 5), and historic-district requirements still apply. Not legal advice — verify with the municipality.

Estimates — not financial advice

These figures are illustrative estimates for informational purposes only — not an appraisal, valuation, or guarantee of rent, income, or returns, and not financial, tax, or investment advice. Rent is either the figure reported on the MLS listing — in-place rent that may differ from market and is not verified against the actual leases — or, where the listing reports none, an estimate from HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents, a government benchmark that may differ from actual market rent. Each figure is labelled with its source. Cap rate, NOI, and returns depend on the assumptions shown, which you can change. MLS and other third-party data may be inaccurate or out of date. Verify all figures independently and consult your own financial, tax, and legal advisors before making any investment decision.