The Town of Lakeshore has officially launched a new Housing Grant Program, and for anyone looking at building in the area, this is significant.

We are not talking about a small rebate.

Depending on the type of project, incentives range from $2,500 all the way up to $80,000 per unit. The funding can come in the form of grants, rebates, or forgivable loans through the municipality’s Community Improvement Plan.

For homeowners, this could mean financial support to add an additional residential unit to an existing property. For investors and developers, it applies to projects that increase supply, including missing middle housing such as duplexes and semi-detached homes, as well as affordable and accessible designs.

Why Lakeshore Is Doing This

Lakeshore has experienced strong population growth over the past decade. More people are moving into the region, and like most of Essex County, supply has struggled to keep pace with demand.

Municipalities are under pressure to increase housing options for seniors looking to downsize, young families entering the market, and first time buyers trying to find something attainable. Programs like this are one of the few tools local governments have to directly influence supply.

In addition to financial incentives, Lakeshore is also offering pre-approved building designs and guidance aimed at reducing costs and shortening approval timelines. That matters. Time and soft costs can make or break smaller infill and secondary unit projects.

Who This Applies To

This program is not just for large scale developers.

It is relevant if you:

• Own property in Lakeshore and are considering adding a secondary dwelling unit
• Are an investor evaluating duplex or semi-detached construction
• Are a builder focused on missing middle or affordable housing
• Are reviewing land opportunities in Essex County

When incentives reach $80,000 per unit, that can materially change a pro forma. It can turn a marginal project into a viable one, especially in today’s environment where construction costs and financing remain elevated.

Important Deadline

Applications for the current intake close March 6. Decisions are expected within three months after that.

If you are considering a project, this is not something to leave until the last week. Programs like this often have limited funding, and once the window closes, there is no guarantee the same terms will return.

What This Means for the Local Market

In practical terms, this program signals that Lakeshore is serious about increasing housing supply.

More secondary units and missing middle housing can gradually improve affordability and diversify the housing stock. Over time, that supports long term stability in the market rather than short bursts of speculative growth.

From an investor standpoint, incentives reduce risk. From a homeowner standpoint, they create an opportunity to add income or multigenerational flexibility. From a community standpoint, they help address real housing gaps.

That is a win if it is executed properly.

If you know someone who owns property in Lakeshore or has talked about building, share this article with them. Deadlines like this get missed more often than you think, and in this case, the dollar amounts are too meaningful to ignore.

If you want to discuss whether a specific property or project might qualify, feel free to reach out.