The rise of multi-generational living

According to a 2020 study by the UNSW’s City Future’s Research Centre, one in four Sydney households are considered multi-generational. Factors driving the increase in this type of living arrangement are financial pressures, ageing population and cultural shifts.

The benefits of multi-generational living

There are many benefits for multi-generational living including:

• Several generations can pool their money and co-purchase property
• Living expenses can be lower because they are split among more adults
• Families stay connected and relationships between the generations are maintained
• A cost-effective way to help care for ageing parents
• Potential childcare cost savings

Finding the right multi-generational living opportunity

For many families, multi-generational living can be very appealing for all the reasons we’ve suggested but finding the right multi-generation dwelling is paramount.

Living in a large home may work for some multi-generational families, whereas others need to have separate private spaces so they can be nearby but not within the same home. There are many reasons for this including lack of privacy, noise transference, clashing of schedules in kitchens and bathrooms, lack of space and lack of independence.

If you love the area in which you live, and you have a suitable block of land, a knockdown rebuild project of your existing home could be ideal. It’s a great way to accommodate a multi-generational family in more suitable accommodation without moving to a new area.

Established suburbs often have larger blocks of land than newer suburbs, and the land is underutilised. By pooling the resources of several generations, you’ll be able to afford a new home that will suit everyone’s needs, rather than compromising.

Consider a duplex

A duplex is a smart, flexible solution for multi-generational living – bringing families closer while preserving independence.

It allows parents, adult children and extended family to live side-by-side, with separate spaces, entries and amenities that support privacy, dignity and different life stages. Designed well, a duplex creates shared moments without compromise – future-proofing the home as needs evolve, simplifying care, and making the most of the land without overbuilding. It’s a practical, considered way to stay connected, support one another, and build long-term value for the whole family.

Consider a granny flat

Building a new home that has two dwellings under one roof like, the Oatley Collection, is ideal to house two generations. The Oatley is a single-level home with four bedrooms in the main house, and two in the attached granny flat. All design options focus on ease of access for everyone, while maintaining the feeling that there isn’t another dwelling attached. The granny flat that has its own private entrance and outdoor area.

One of the great advantages of this type of layout is that the separate granny flat can be used by different family members as needs change like ageing parents, growing teenagers, and more. And if it is no longer required for family members, it can become an investment property.

Build a new multi-generational home with Homes by ZAC

Homes by ZAC has 30+ years of experience building multi-generational homes as well as knockdown rebuild and duplex projects.

We builds with craftsmanship, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every customer. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.