More families are choosing to live together, but single-family homes often lack the design to support them. These layout challenges are currently driving homeowners toward creative new housing options. To support multigenerational homes, the market needs to adapt.
Multigenerational Homes are Common
A multigenerational home is one in which at least three generations live together. In Canada and the U.S., this type of living situation is on the rise. In Canada specifically, in 2021, there was a 21.2% increase since 2001. There are a few reasons why:
- High cost of living: Combining resources helps you manage housing expenses.
- Cultural shifts: An increase in immigration has brought more cultural backgrounds that normalize multigenerational living.
- Childcare: Grandparents provide trusted, daily care for children at home.
- Elder care: There’s a silver tsunami — about 19% of the U.S. population is baby boomers, and many of them need care as they age.
Why One-Size-Fits-All Isn’t Working
It’s more common for people to live with family, but many homes aren’t compatible with this lifestyle. Here’s why.
Little Privacy and Autonomy
Conventional homes have little privacy, especially if you’re sharing a room with another family member. When your extended family expands, you may lose your autonomy. Overcrowding and a lack of privacy can increase stress levels and leave you feeling overwhelmed if you enjoy alone time. Some people require a space to unwind and recharge.
Difficult to Become Independent
Standard homes make true independence tough for young adults and grandparents. Without separate basement apartments or cozy in-law suites, everyone shares the same daily routines. You’ll often crowd the same rooms at the same time. Secondary living spaces give your relatives the freedom to live more freely, choosing when to socialize and rest.
Physical Accessibility Barriers
Approximately 28.7% of American adults have a disability, with 12.2% experiencing mobility difficulties. Multi-story layouts or narrow hallways present physical obstacles for older family members. Grandparents often need ground-floor bedrooms and walk-in showers to stay safe. A stair-free, easy-to-navigate house gives people with disabilities more autonomy.
Kitchen and Bathroom Bottlenecks
A single kitchen and main bathroom create major daily bottlenecks. Different work schedules, unique diets, and varying cooking styles can fill these rooms with tension. With similar routines, everyone will need the kitchen and bathroom at the same time of day. Adding extra washrooms and kitchen spaces solves these timing issues and keeps your household running smoothly.
How the Market Is Adapting
The market needs to evolve with the times. Here’s how governments and housing contractors are adapting.
Access to Middle Housing
Urban planners are changing local zoning rules to help families stay close. States like California allow for up to two accessory dwelling units, and Montana is allowing apartment buildings on commercial or industrial land. These changes give multigenerational households more options to secure adequate living space.
Dual-Master Plans
Modern builders are investing in “Next Gen” or “All-Gen” home models. These layouts offer a private home within a home for families. You can even segregate exterior entrances, kitchenettes, living areas and bathrooms. This choice provides aging parents with adult children with separate spaces while keeping everyone under one roof.
Adaptable Floor Plans
About 49% of Americans like traditional layouts, while 51% like open layouts. With this almost 50-50 split, adaptable floor plans are essential. Now, some builders are installing non-load-bearing walls that you can move later, and some basements come ready for quick conversions into apartments.
Multigenerational Markets Are the Future
The traditional dream home is evolving into something more flexible. Modern luxury means functionality for the whole household, ensuring everyone enjoys privacy and independence. In the future, you can expect to see more apartments, duplexes and accessory dwelling units that support multigenerational living.
