Homestead Protection Act

Protecting Your Property

An Estate of Homestead is a type of protection for a person’s primary residence that allows homeowners in Massachusetts to protect their property up to $500,000 of the value. The declaration protects against subsequent attachment, levy on execution, or sale to satisfy debt.

Chapter 395 of the Acts of 2010, an Act Relative to the Estate of Homestead, advises and replaces the provisions of the Massachusetts homestead protection law, General Laws Chapter 188. An overview of the revised Homestead reform legislation (which became effective on 3/16/11) can be found on the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds on the Homestead Protection page.

The declaration must be filed (along with a fee) at the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds, located at
Shetland Park
45 Congress Street
Suite 4100
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 741-0201

For Additional Information

For further information on the Homestead Act, filing fee, and to find forms (PDF) pertaining to the Homestead Act, visit the Registry of Deeds Homestead Act webpage.