The state issued almost 7,500 building permits last year, exceeding its goal. Meeting it will be harder in the future.
Hannah LaClaire
Staff Writer
Hannah is the housing reporter at the Portland Press Herald, covering all aspects of Maine’s housing crisis -- real estate and development, home ownership and rental issues and the lack of both affordability and availability. Before joining the Press Herald in 2021, Hannah covered the town of Brunswick for The Times Record. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running and weekends up at camp. She lives in Springvale with her husband and daughter, their dog and two tuxedo cats.
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Congress just passed a major housing bill. Here’s how it will help Maine.
It’s the first significant housing legislation in decades and Maine officials say it’s a big deal.
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Posted inMaine, News
Code enforcement officers are a ‘dying breed’ in Maine. That’s a problem.
If the state wants to increase production to combat its housing crisis, communities need experts to sign off on that work, or risk costly delays.
Posted inMaine, News
Tiny Homes of Maine closes abruptly, quietly after 10 years
The closure comes less than 2 years after it was acquired by Hancock Lumber.
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This metric is considered affordable housing’s magic number. It’s also flawed.
Area median income, or AMI, is used to determine who in Maine is eligible for some federal housing programs and even whether housing projects get built.
Posted inMaine, News
Population trends in Maine show a shift to the suburbs
Census data shows population growing in Portland’s immediate suburbs at a faster rate than the city itself, mirroring a national trend.
Posted inNews
More ADUs were built in Maine last year than expected
Preliminary data shows that accessory dwelling units accounted for roughly 9% of the building permits issued in 2025.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine’s housing market showing signs of life after slow start
Both sales and prices rose in April, according to the Maine Association of Realtors.
Posted inMaine, News
ADU construction in Maine hasn’t matched interest, despite best efforts
The state has aggressively loosened zoning restrictions to encourage accessory dwelling units, but cost and a lack of awareness are slowing the uptake.
Posted inMaine, News
Who is building ADUs in Maine? Here’s a closer look at 3 examples
For retirees looking to downsize, adult children who can’t afford other options and homeowners who want to earn rental income, accessory dwelling units fill varied needs.