How we renovated our Brookline Victorian’s lower level into a $4,500-a-month rental unit

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

A family in Brookline renovated their neglected basement into a modern two-bedroom apartment that rents for $4,500 per month, securing tenants within days due to high local demand. This conversion highlights a growing trend of utilizing underused residential space to increase housing availability without altering neighborhood character, offering a cost-effective alternative amid rising property values and housing shortages.

A Brookline family has transformed their previously neglected basement into a modern, fully furnished two-bedroom apartment, which is now rented for $4,500 per month. The 1,200-square-foot space, once dark, musty, and filled with cobwebs and exposed beams, has been renovated into a bright, comfortable living area that also serves as a potential age-in-place option for the homeowners.

The revitalization challenges conventional wisdom that investing in below-ground space is financially unwise. In areas such as Brookline’s Coolidge Corner, where housing costs remain elevated and rental demand is high, converting basements into high-quality apartments has become increasingly viable. The family was able to secure tenants within days of listing the unit online, highlighting the strong market appetite for such spaces.

Michael Kim of MKA Architecture LLC, the firm responsible for the renovation’s design, notes that despite lingering stigma around basement living, the rising property values and severe housing shortages have shifted the economics in favor of these conversions. “If extra space on existing real estate can be converted into first-quality space, the value of new living space now vastly exceeds the cost of its construction,” Kim explained. He suggests that this kind of project could be replicated on a large scale in Brookline and other communities, although it requires careful planning and execution.

Beyond financial considerations, Kim emphasized the broader community benefits of basement conversions. They allow for increased housing density without disrupting the historic urban fabric, helping to preserve older homes while alleviating housing shortages. This approach contrasts with demolition and new construction, which often alter neighborhood character.

The project also reflects a social dimension, as market-rate apartments in desirable areas like Brookline continue to reach prices beyond the reach of many residents. Creating additional rental units within existing properties offers an alternative to costly new developments and helps to maintain diverse, livable neighborhoods.

The renovation underscores a growing trend toward maximizing residential space in established urban areas, combining preservation with accessibility, and addressing housing needs from within existing structures.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.