Maryland Introduces New Housing Legislation

Proposed bills aim to boost housing development near transit and expand affordable homeownership options

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has introduced two new pieces of legislation this session to address housing challenges in the state. The Transit and Housing Opportunity Act would open up over 300 acres of state-owned land near transit stations for new housing development, while the Starter and Silver Homes Act would create more affordable homeownership options that could be 30% less expensive than existing homes.

Why it matters

Housing affordability and availability have been major issues in Maryland, with high costs and limited supply pricing many residents out of the market. These new bills are aimed at increasing the housing stock, particularly near public transit, and making homeownership more accessible for first-time and lower-income buyers.

The details

The Transit and Housing Opportunity Act would unlock over 300 acres of state-owned land located adjacent to existing transit stations, which the state sees as prime real estate for new housing development. The Starter and Silver Homes Act would create new, more affordable homeownership options that could be 30% less expensive than current market-rate homes.

  • The Maryland Realtors conducted their 2026 Lobby Day in Annapolis this week.
  • The new housing legislation was introduced during the current legislative session.

The players

Jake Day

Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

Maryland Realtors

A trade association representing real estate professionals in the state of Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“The Transit and Housing Opportunity Act would unlock more than 300acres of state-owned land adjacent to existing transit stations – this is prime real estate for housing. Second, the Starter and Silver Homes Act would unlock home ownership for more Maryland families by expanding housing choices that could be 30% less expensive than existing homes.”

— Jake Day, Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (wcbcradio.com)

What’s next

The Maryland legislature will now consider the Transit and Housing Opportunity Act and the Starter and Silver Homes Act as part of the current legislative session.

The takeaway

These new housing bills represent a concerted effort by Maryland policymakers to address the state's housing affordability and availability challenges by unlocking more land for development and creating more accessible homeownership options for first-time and lower-income buyers.