Mass Save New Construction Incentives Explained (1–4 Unit Homes)
Mass Save pays incentives on new all-electric 1–4 unit homes in Massachusetts: Base tier $7,500–$11,250, ENERGY STAR tier $15,000–$22,500 and Passive House tier $25,000–$40,000, depending on the number of units. A certified HERS rater has to enroll the home by the midpoint (pre-drywall) inspection, so call your rater before insulation goes in.
The catch
Enrollment must happen by the midpoint inspection. Miss it and the incentive is gone. The home must also be all-electric (heat, hot water, cooking and drying).
Incentive Tiers
| Tier | 1 unit | 2 units | 3 units | 4 units | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $7,500 | $8,750 | $10,000 | $11,250 | At least 15% savings over baseline |
| ENERGY STAR | $15,000 | $17,500 | $20,000 | $22,500 | 30% savings or HERS 45 or lower, 1.5 ACH50 or tighter, ENERGY STAR SF New Homes v3.2, NextGen |
| Passive House | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | Phius or PHI certification |
Amounts as listed by Mass Save; check the program page for current terms.
Extra Per-Unit Adders
| Item | Adder per unit |
|---|---|
| Ground-source heat pump (ENERGY STAR certified) | $9,000 |
| Split-system heat pump water heater | $750 |
| DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification (Base and ENERGY STAR tiers) | $500 |
| Induction cooktop | $250 |
| ENERGY STAR v3.2 certification (Base tier) | $250 |
| Wi-Fi connected thermostat (Base tier) | $100 |
Who Qualifies
- New single-family homes with 1 to 4 units in a Mass Save sponsor territory.
- All-electric for heating, cooling, hot water, cooking and clothes drying; EV-ready wiring required.
- Homes in this program cannot also take Mass Save individual heat pump rebates.
- Incentives for gas, oil or propane homes ended with the July 1, 2024 electrification requirements.
How It Works With Your HERS Rating
- We enroll the home and run the energy model at plan stage.
- Midpoint (pre-drywall) inspection: enrollment deadline, insulation and air sealing check.
- Final: blower door, duct and ventilation testing, final HERS rating, paperwork submitted.
Aiming for the ENERGY STAR tier? 1.5 ACH50 is tight, so plan air sealing early. Passive House: see Phius certification cost. Builders: see the 45L tax credit page.
FAQ
How much is the Mass Save new construction incentive?
For an all-electric single-family home: $7,500 (Base), $15,000 (ENERGY STAR) or $25,000 (Passive House), rising with the number of units up to $11,250, $22,500 and $40,000 for 4 units.
How do I enroll a new home in Mass Save?
A certified HERS rater enrolls it. Enrollment must be completed by the midpoint inspection, before drywall.
Do gas homes get Mass Save new construction incentives?
No. Since July 1, 2024, new registrations must meet the all-electric requirements.
What do I need for the ENERGY STAR tier?
At least 30% savings or HERS 45 or lower, 1.5 ACH50 or tighter, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes v3.2 and NextGen requirements.
Can I get the incentive for a multifamily building?
This program covers 1–4 unit homes. Larger buildings use Mass Save multifamily new construction programs.
Town-by-Town Permit Checklists
Local building department details, checked on each town's own website:
Sources: Mass Save residential new construction. Code text current as of October 2026; DOER has proposed updates to the Stretch and Specialized codes, so confirm before you file.
Related: Stretch code report for permitting · What triggers a HERS rating · REScheck and COMcheck · Phius verification
Enroll Your Home Before Drywall
Send your plans today. Most projected HERS reports are ready in about one business day after the quote is accepted.
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