Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family

The number of Americans living in a home with at least two generations of adults has more than quadrupled since the 1970s .

Imagine a home where every member of your family thrives – grandparents enjoying retirement, parents finding support with childcare, and children creating lasting memories. That's the beauty of multigenerational living! It's an increasingly popular choice for families seeking connection, affordability, and shared caregiving.?

However, if you’re considering a multigenerational home purchase, it’s essential to plan carefully and communicate openly. Start the conversation about multigenerational living well in advance of any purchase decisions so you have time to get everyone on the same page and address any concerns that may arise.?

You may also find it helpful to articulate your "why." Is the goal primarily to share resources and responsibilities, to simplify childcare or eldercare, or just to spend more time together? Understanding each family member’s priorities sets you up for success in the home hunt.?

Finding a home that fits you Finding a home that works for multiple generations can be trickier than a standard house hunt — plus, there are more opinions to take into consideration. A real estate agent who knows your area can help you think creatively about options that work for your family and fit your budget.?

Ready to buy a home together? Here are a few things to consider in your home search.?

Space and Privacy

Harmonious multigenerational living is easiest when everyone has plenty of room. While there aren’t any hard and fast rules for square footage, look for homes that offer enough space for you to spend time as a family — and to retreat when you need to recharge. This is especially important if there are young children in the mix: they’ll need space to play without disturbing older members of the family.

Layout

Like home size, the ideal layout will depend on your family’s needs and preferences. However,? most will benefit from multiple living areas, ensuite bathrooms for added privacy, and flexible spaces that can adapt to changing priorities. If you’re looking for a little more separation, homes with accessory dwelling units like basement apartments or backyard cottages provide independent living spaces while maintaining close proximity.

Accessibility

No matter what your family’s needs are now, it’s always wise to plan ahead. Look for accessibility features that promote ease of movement for all ages and abilities, such as ramps, wider doorways, and a main-floor bedroom suite. These features are especially important if some family members hope to age in place, but they’ll benefit everyone — it’s a lot easier to get a stroller down a ramp than stairs!

Budget

One major benefit of multigenerational living is the opportunity to pool finances and chip in together to cover mortgage payments, repairs, and all the other costs of homeownership. Before you start looking at homes, work together to build a budget that works for everyone. You’ll also need to decide who should be on the mortgage (and the title).? Since co-buying is more complex than a standard home purchase, it’s wise to consult with an accountant or legal professional who can walk you through the tax and estate planning implications of a multigenerational purchase.

Ready to Start Searching??

We’re here to help you find a space where every generation of your family can flourish. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your family's unique needs and explore your options together.