Buying a Multi-Family in Kendall Square

If you are looking to buy a multi-family in Kendall Square, the first thing you should know is that not a ton of options come up. In fact, as of 12/10/2025, only 2 multi-families sold within ½ mile of Kendall Square in 2025. 

Many multi-families around Kendall Square are attached or very close to each other - it’s a feature of this section of Cambridge, so you should be aware of that. I find that multi-family prices close to Kendall Square are often on the lower end when it comes to multi-family prices in all of Cambridge. I also find that most multi-families around here are early 1900 builds and the units tend to have low ceilings, smaller bedrooms and many are not super updated…so just be aware that this is what is typical for this section of Cambridge.

I often see a typical 3-family in so-so condition selling in the $1.2M to $1.5M range in this part of Cambridge. More updated or larger multi-families can sell between $1.5M to $2M+.

This area in Cambridge is a double edge sword for investors. On one end, you will see some of the lower price points, highest cap rates, and best cash flow numbers in all of Cambridge. That’s the good news. On the other end, these units can take longer to rent as this area of Cambridge is less in demand compared to places like Central Square, Harvard Square, or Cambridgeport. So it’s important you build in a higher vacancy rate compared to some other areas in Cambridge. 

Also, because demand tends to be lower in this part of Cambridge, expect lower rent prices compared to some other neighborhoods in Cambridge. The mistake I see a lot of buyers make is their rental numbers are reflecting OTHER neighborhoods in Cambridge and not reflective of the actual numbers for the Kendall Square neighborhood.

If you want to buy a multi-family in the Kendall Square area, give me a call and we can talk in more details about your goals and budgets and finding the right option for you - my cell is 617-833-7457!