One of the fastest-growing trends in real estate is not about the homes people are buying but rather the collection of people who are moving into those homes.
In recent years, more and more people are choosing to live in multi-generational homes. Between 1971 and 2021, the number of people living in multi-generational households in the US quadrupled. This isn’t just a local phenomenon. Across the pond, the UK has seen a similar trend, with the latest census data showing a 15% increase in adult children living with their parents over the last decade.
At first glance, it’s easy to attribute this trend solely to economic factors. Indeed, the rising cost of living, housing prices, and student debt have made it challenging for many young adults to afford their own place. But to say it’s just about money would be an oversimplification.
Increasingly, families are embracing multi-generational living not because kids are moving back in, but rather because homeowners want a place for aging parents. As life expectancy increases, many families find that having their parents move in with them allows for better, more personal care.
“I wouldn’t trade the time I had with my mom for anything,” said Jennifer Reinholt, a Buyer’s Agent with Just for Buyers. Roughly five years ago, Jennifer’s mom moved down to Wilmington from Ohio to be with her daughter. “Those were special years that I never expected to have, but looking back, if I had to do it all over, the biggest thing I’d do differently is find a house with a totally different layout and floorplan.”
Jennifer has worked with several multi-generational clients. Her advice to them is that certain homes are better situated to help create family unity while preserving privacy. Here is Jennifer’s list of what you should be looking for:
Find a Split Bedroom Floor Plan This is a popular layout in the Cape Fear Region. Typically, it is found in single-story homes with the guest rooms on one side of the house and the master bedroom on the other. The separate sleeping and bathing spaces allow for privacy.
Soundproof the Interior Walls and Floors Knowing that privacy is one of the most significant downsides to multi-generational homes, it’s best to soundproof between living spaces. At a minimum, Jennifer recommends soundproofing all walls and floors separating bedrooms and bathrooms.
If Possible, Look for Dual Laundry Rooms This is much harder to find on the market, so your best bet may be looking for a home with a designated laundry room and appropriate hookups in the garage. Freedom comes from having your own personal space to take care of your clothing without having to worry about whether someone else is trying to do laundry at the same time.
Accessibility is Vital With older age, multi-generational homes need to consider ADA accessibility. Even if this is not a pressing issue for your aging parents right now, it may be in the future. Look for homes with ramps, chair lifts, and walk-in or roll-in showers. Homes without such perks can eventually be updated, with some of the less costly work being done as do-it-yourself projects.
Separate Entrances Your parents may have agreed to move in with you, but many still want a sense of their own home. The best way to achieve that is with the luxury of having their own entrance, which gives them the freedom to come and go without alerting everyone else.
Split HVAC Zoning Let’s face it, different generations have different senses of temperature, and we want everyone to be comfortable. There are various approaches that you can discuss with your HVAC contractor that will depend on your house layout and climate. Some popular approaches are ductless split systems, separate traditional split systems, and multi-zone systems.
Look for a Home with a Separate Kitchenette A small kitchenette can allow you the ability to enjoy early morning coffee or late-night snacks without waking the rest of the family.
Think About an Elevator This is actually a popular feature in the Cape Fear region, especially in beach and luxury properties. Most people think of elevators as a commercial luxury, but there are surprisingly affordable models designed for residential homes, with hundreds of homes with elevators coming on the market every year.
Detached Dwelling For seniors that don’t need around-the-clock care, finding a home that comes with a detached dwelling, typically in the backyard, may be the perfect solution. This setup offers them the privacy and independence they cherish while keeping them close for support and care. It combines the best of both worlds, allowing for proximity without sacrificing personal space.
Final Thoughts from Jennifer “Inviting your elderly parents into your home isn’t just about necessity; it’s about choice. You have to think about it long and hard, because even though it is so rewarding, it is also going to test and challenge you,” said Jennifer. “Just know upfront that not every home was really built for folks of all ages. So, look for something that will work for everyone in the family, because it really will remove a lot of stress from your shoulders.”