Jamaica Plain Real Estate: Condos and Triple-Deckers in Boston

Jamaica Plain is south-west of downtown Boston, with Jamaica Pond, the Emerald Necklace parks and the Arnold Arboretum. The Orange Line stops at Stony Brook, Green Street and Forest Hills, and Centre Street and Hyde Square carry shops and restaurants. It is known for being diverse and progressive, with strong cycling and a mix of ages.

Buyers are young professionals, hospital and university staff, and investors. Check condo association fees and reserves carefully.

Housing here is older than in most of the US: much of the stock dates from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, so inspections should look at roofs, wiring, lead paint and heating systems. Winter heating costs and parking (often off-street spots sold separately) change the real monthly cost of ownership. Compared with the South End or Back Bay, prices per square metre are lower, but demand from hospital workers and tech staff keeps the market firm.

Foreigners can buy US property without restrictions. Closings are handled by attorneys; the sequence is offer, a purchase and sale agreement and a closing. Foreign nationals usually need a larger deposit of 30-40% and a lender experienced in foreign-national loans. Property tax rates are set by the city. On resale, the FIRPTA withholding of 15% may apply unless exceptions apply.

See the US buying guide, US financing and US analysis.

Roslindale, Brookline, Dorchester, Brighton, Chestnut Hill and South Boston all belong to the same wider city market, with different price points and housing styles. See US property for sale.