“Multi-gen Floor Plans” and More: How Builders are Responding to the Multigenerational Housing Boom

More American families are living in multigenerational households, driven in part by the high costs of housing and child and elder care, according to a report from the Home Buying Institute.

Now, home builders are offering more varied designs and multi-generational floor plans that can accommodate larger family groups, and city leaders are adjusting zoning codes to permit more flexible forms of housing such as accessory dwelling units (sometimes known as ‘granny flats’).

“The 2020 Census counted roughly 6 million multigenerational family households, up from about 5.1 million in 2010.” Surveys reveal that the main reasons for choosing multigenerational living are financial and practical, such as wanting proximity to older parents for caregiving.

According to the report, Gen Xers are the most likely to buy multigenerational homes. “They’re old enough to have aging parents who need support, young enough to still have kids at home, and financially established enough to afford a larger home. Many are also in their peak earning years.” 

Builders are responding with designs that include semi-detached units with separate entrances, extra square footage, and separately controlled features such as climate control.