A lot will depend on the complexity and details of the home itself, but on average, (not high end) 400K will buy around a 2700 square foot new build in your area. Custom will be more $$ and a builder subdivision of the same homes will be less. That does not include the price of the lot.

Here is a link that might be useful: Where are Sale and Contract Prices per Square Foot Highest?

This post was edited by GreenDesigns on Mon, Oct 20, 14 at 12:41

In the western suburbs of Boston it will run $250-$450 (and up) per sq ft depending on complexity and finishes. Getting down to the $250 number requires serious discipline and some good luck--ie you don't run into ledge when you excavate.

We recently finished a build in southern NH with slightly more than your budget. We came in at about $150/sq, full custom, with what we consider mid-grade selections. But I'd note that I spent a lot of time price comparison shopping and looking for cost-saving alternates for our selections. Multiple stores, online, etc. Time is money, so spend whichever you've got the most of.

Your exact "where" will greatly affect "how much" you can get. As you know, prices vary greatly, certainly in MA.

ditto what oic said. Find out where you want to build if the subs are union or not. Everything I've read, it varies allot in your area. If the subs are union, expect to pay alllllllot for labor. Materials should be in the same range as here, Charlotte area.