What is multigenerational living?

It’s where at least two generations of adults are living in one property, which is commonly seen when ageing parents move in with adult offspring.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provided new data to the ABC on households containing three generations. It showed a small increase in three generational living arrangements over recent years, from 275,000 in 2016 to 335,000 in 2021.

This may be due to a number of factors like increasing property prices, dual careers within the home, a desire for kids to bond with grandparents, or just that more people are choosing to live in extended-family households.

Whatever the driving forces from a societal perspective, what does that mean in relation to property. No longer is it the ‘teenagers retreat’ buyers are in search of, it’s now often considered the grandparents wing, granny flat, or the in-law suite. However you like to put it, it's an additional area where an older generation can live comfortably and with their own space.

Obviously there are key considerations here. The ‘grandparents wing’ as we’ll refer to it, should be single level, on the ground floor with no major steps in or out, a walk in shower is preferable over a bath and ideally it includes some form of living zone as well as the bedroom. You could use large sliding panels to create the divide in the space, but if room allows, having a permanent separate living area is preferred where you could also include kitchen facilities, making it a self contained unit of sorts.

Where can this wing be located?

We often see people convert the garage at the rear or side of the property, which can be a great idea. However you must check with the council as you will often need a permit to do this. If you don't get a permit it could be an issue when it comes time to sell.

The other option is to consider a wing off the main house as an extension. Having external access directly to this part of the house is a good idea.

Here’s some properties we’ve come across:

4 Nocton St Reservoir - https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-reservoir-136877414

111 Charles St Northcote - https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-northcote-137413882

36 Abbotsford Grove Ivanhoe - https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ivanhoe-140518191

11 Withers Way Eltham - https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-eltham-140603755

10 years ago we wouldn't have been writing this article. 10 years ago we would have said that sadly our culture is not like others. We more often than not, don't want to live with our elders, and they would probably have said they don't want to live with us. But times are a changin. We have seen the rise in the number of conversations we are having with clients where accommodating grandparents on a long term and permanent basis is becoming a real conversation with their families. The discussion then flows into what does that look like… How can we transform a house into something that can accommodate a ‘granny flat’.

We think this will be a sought after feature in the coming 10-20 years. Watch this space.

Multigenerational Living