The idea of the family home is changing. As housing becomes less affordable and families navigate different stages of life, more people are considering how a property can accommodate more than one generation. 

For some families, that might mean adult children staying at home for longer. For others, it could mean bringing ageing parents closer, creating a separate space for grandparents or finding a way for different generations to live together while maintaining their independence. 

The conversation is not simply about having more bedrooms, but how a home is designed and whether it can adapt as family circumstances change. 

It starts with the right home 

A home designed for multigenerational living does not necessarily need a separate dwelling. Multiple living areas, additional bathrooms, a second entrance, a bedroom away from the main living zone or a flexible rumpus room can make it easier for different generations to share a home without feeling as though everyone is living on top of one another. 

For families with grown-up children, a home with a second living area or private bedroom zone can provide some independence while keeping everyone under the same roof. 

For grandparents, a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom, easy access to outdoor space and fewer stairs can become increasingly important over time. 

When inspecting a property, consider whether the multi-generational house plan looks beyond the number of bedrooms, how the spaces connect, and whether areas could eventually serve a different purpose. 

When a granny flat makes sense 

For some families, a separate granny flat can offer another level of independence. 

“Demand is still very strong,” says Tanya Hayes, General Manager of Bungalow Homes, a Sydney-based granny flat builder. “As housing becomes less affordable, people are looking for ways to give their kids independence.” 

That can work in several ways. Parents may move into the granny flat while their adult children and their families occupy the main house. Alternatively, the granny flat might provide accommodation for an adult child, an ageing parent or another family member. 

It can also give homeowners the option of eventually downsizing into a smaller space while allowing children or extended family to use the main house. 

A granny flat can also provide rental accommodation, making use of an under-utilised part of the property while allowing the owner to retain the asset. 

What should you look for in a property? 

If you are buying with the possibility of adding a granny flat, the block can be just as important as the house itself. 

“Your ideal situation is to find a property that meets CDC (Complying Development Certificate) requirements, but if it doesn’t, it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker,” Tanya says. 

A Development Application may still provide a pathway where a property does not meet the requirements for complying development. This could include a granny flat above a garage where height requirements become an issue, or properties where zoning considerations affect what can be built. 

There are also practical considerations that can make a significant difference. “Stormwater can be a dealbreaker, and potentially landscaping,” Tanya says. Easements can restrict where a granny flat can be positioned, while trees may also affect what is possible depending on the council area. 

Before purchasing, it is worth checking the property's zoning, planning controls and relevant overlays through your relevant state government planning portal. 

Access is another consideration that can easily be overlooked. “Good backyard access for construction machinery is a bonus,” Tanya says. 

It is not just about adding another dwelling 

For families considering multigenerational living, there are several ways to approach it. 

You might choose a home that already has multiple living zones and private spaces, look for a property with potential to reconfigure existing rooms, or buy with the longer-term possibility of adding a granny flat. 

The right option will depend on the family, the property and how the home needs to work now -as well as in the years ahead. 

Sharing a property can make it easier to support ageing parents, help adult children establish themselves or share household and caring responsibilities. But privacy also matters. Different routines, parenting styles, entertaining habits and expectations around household responsibilities can create tension when there are no spaces to retreat to. 

Thoughtful design can make all the difference. 

Think beyond the floorplan 

Perhaps the greatest advantage of a multigenerational home is its ability to change. 

“The biggest benefit is the flexibility over time as circumstances change,” Tanya says. 

A granny flat that initially houses parents could later become a space for older children. It could eventually allow homeowners to downsize while their children and grandchildren occupy the main house or become a source of rental income. 

The same thinking applies when buying a conventional family home. A second living area might become a teenage retreat today, a home office tomorrow and accommodation for an ageing parent further down the track. 

Ultimately, generational living is less about finding a property that perfectly suits one stage of life and more about finding one with enough flexibility to evolve. 

The most useful family home may not simply be the one that fits your life today, but the one that has room to change with you. 

If you would like to have a chat about your next move, reach out to your local Belle Property office today.