Cost of living pressures, an ageing population and increasing cultural diversity has led to a rapid rise in multigenerational households.
The latest data reveals that one in five Australians are living in this type of household arrangement, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
In fact, the ABS found households containing three generations had risen by 21.8% between the 2016 census and 2021 census, with these figures set to rise even further.
Demand to build a multigenerational home has experienced a steady increase in recent years, but what that home actually looks like will vary depending on specific circumstances.
According to G.J. Gardner Homes, for some that might involve adding a granny flat to a lot, for others it’s building a home with more bedrooms and living areas, or choosing a duplex or intergenerational layout.
Why multigenerational living is booming in Australia
G.J. Gardner Homes Chief Operating Officer, Chris Thornton, comments that a lot of buyers are not only attracted to the idea because of the proximity it allows to family, but because in this climate, it also makes good financial sense.
“The current inflated cost of living pressures and rising housing costs have made it increasingly difficult for families to afford separate homes," he says.
"Multigenerational living can help distribute the financial burden of housing expenses by sharing the costs of living, such as mortgage payments, utilities, and groceries.”
G.J. Gardner Homes has also seen an increase in enquiries of families looking for ways to provide care and assistance for elderly parents or grandparents.
“Having them live under the same roof can support caregiving and reduce the need for expensive aged care facilities," explains Mr Thornton.
The third factor giving rise to living under the one roof is the nation’s growing cultural diversity.
“Australia is a culturally diverse country, and many immigrant families have a tradition of multigenerational living," says Mr Thornton.
"With an increase of immigration, we see an increase in demand for this type of housing.”
Mulitgenerational living is becoming a more practical option for many Australian families.
Flexible floorplans: The new must-have for families
From dual living designs (duplexes), granny flats, and the most popular option - an intergenerational home, G.J. Gardner Homes offers an array of designs to make multigenerational home living work for any family.
“Our collection of intergenerational floor plans keeps the family under one roof to minimise costs but with a thoughtful layout to ensure each family member have their own space and privacy,” explains Mr Thornton.
In addition to dual living designs, a multigeneration range and granny flats, G.J. Gardner Homes’ floorplans have carefully designed options to accommodate both older kids and elderly parents, allowing them to have their own private zones separate to the master and main living areas.
When it comes to duplexes – two separate dwellings under one roof sharing a common wall – G.J. Gardner Homes have found strong demand for these designs due to the privacy they offer, in addition to the ability for each household to maintain its own separate space.
The company’s multigenerational range includes designs incorporating two master bedrooms – one upstairs and downstairs.
“In addition to providing private spaces for multiple adults within the home, the dual master suites also extend the longevity and liveability of your home as you age, with a master bedroom on the ground floor of the home," highlights Mr Thornton.
Additionally, G.J. Gardner Homes’ multigenerational designs also offer multiple living areas both upstairs and downstairs to enable large families to entertain, while also offering private spaces to relax.
Many designs also include outdoor living areas, including alfresco areas for more shareable living spaces.
Buyers are looking for homes that can adapt as their needs change over time.
How developers are responding to changing household needs
With a housing shortage across the country, Mr Thornton explains many local councils are beginning to change regulations to allow for more housing density, including duplexes and granny flats.
“In particular, New South Wales is seeing significant change, with the biggest reform to its planning process in almost 50 years. This includes the introduction of one authority to provide advice on applications which will make the building process much easier," he says.
"With an aim to deliver more housing, the new reforms should make it easier and quicker to obtain approvals for building and renovations, rather than approaching several different government agencies.”
In recent years builders have had to be more creative in their designs to meet the changing needs of buyers who now have a need for an alternative home design, rather than a traditional floorplan.
“For G.J. Gardner Homes, this means expanding our range to include dual living designs, intergenerational living and granny flats. We also offer knockdown rebuilds, allowing homeowners to take advantage of their existing land in a community they love while building a home better suited to their family needs," Mr Thornton notes.
"At a broader level, many of our designs allow for more customisation to ensure each family can tailor the home to suit their unique needs and preferences.”
G.J. Gardner Homes have the expertise to help buyers make the most of multigenerational living.
Is a multigenerational home right for you?
While multigenerational homes strengthen family bonds, they also distribute the financial burden of housing expenses, such as mortgage payments, utilities and groceries.
A multigenerational household can also more easily allow for ageing in place, reducing the need for expensive aged care facilities.
“Intergenerational homes also often have a higher resale value because they cater to a broader range of potential buyers, including families looking for a larger home with separate living spaces.” says Mr Thornton.
G.J. Gardner Homes is expertly placed to help any home buyer find a house design that’s right for them and their family, whatever shape that takes.
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