Unlocking the Missing Middle (2025)

Unlocking the Missing Middle: Harvard’s Three-Part Housing Series
The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard is exploring how “missing middle” housing — the scale between single-family homes and mid-rise apartments — can help address the affordable housing crisis in Massachusetts and across the US. Ideal for urban and suburban infill, these housing types offer flexibility across life stages, budgets, and preferences, but face significant zoning, financing, and cultural barriers.

Part 1, Surveying Missing Middle Housing—Trends in the United States and Massachusetts, examines what these housing forms are, where they’re built, and the major obstacles and opportunities ahead.

Part 2 showcases policy solutions from states and municipalities successfully bringing missing middle housing to market.

The final part of the series will identify additional strategies and resources beyond zoning and regulatory policy—including financing, advocacy, construction innovation, and test fits—that are necessary for a robust middle housing market. Stay tuned for more on this.

Explore how research, policy, and practical supports can unlock diverse, affordable housing options.

Keywords: missing middle housing; gentle density housing; housing policy solutions; affordable housing United States; Massachusetts housing trends; urban infill housing; small-scale multi-unit housing; zoning reform; housing development barriers; Joint Center for Housing Studies Harvard