Multi-Generational Housing

The trend of multi-generational living is on the upswing in the UK. Find how older people sharing their home with children or others can save them money as well as give them practical support. Communities are being built with unique housing plans designed for seniors and their adult children wishing to share a residence. The Homeshare scheme is also an option for sharing housing.

Today there are over 2 million households in the UK that are multi-generational, with a number of them living in London or expensive cities. In recent years, a growing number of older people and pensioners are opting to live in an existing property with their children or purchase a home with their adult children. Or they are living with younger strangers, renters, friends, or people from their local community. With more people ageing in the UK, the numbers will only increase. So what might these multi-generational homes look like?

Architects and developers are working together to design traditional homes with attached private quarters for the older family members. More than 100,000 homes are being converted per year. About 50 multi-generational communities are located in the UK, including some in London and the Barnet borough.

Separate entrances and separate parking areas are part of the plan. The portion of the home where the older generation lives likely would be smaller. It might have 1-2 bedrooms, bathroom, small kitchen, den, and a living area. Some homes may have separate patio and backyard areas. Or they share living facilities. Even if the family portion has two stories, the apartment for grandma/Granny and grandpa could be the more desirable one level design.

Imagine the numerous advantages for all three generations, including pensioners,when they share this living arrangement.
• Sharing the cost of buying a home or paying the mortgage and sharing maintenance costs provide financial benefits for both generations.
• People are living longer and likely will need varying degrees of care as they age. Providing care is much easier and less stressful for adult children or other generations when parents are close by. In addition, the cost of independent and assisted care is becoming out of reach for many seniors.
• When grandparents become an influential part of their grandchildren’s lives, strong emotional bonds are created. All three generations reap the benefits.
• Older people are free to holiday knowing their adult children will keep an eye on their house. In turn, seniors can provide baby-sitting or house-sitting help so the adults can have a get-away.
• This arrangement minimizes some of the problems encountered when seniors share the same living space with their adult children.

An older person living with their children, younger friends, relatives (or others from schemes such as Homeshare) can ensure more support is available. There will shared help with shopping, cleaning, and household tasks. In addition, the cost of ownership as well as renting the home will be much lower as it is shared.

There are also schemes and charities starting across the UK to add to the multi-generation numbers. They include Homeshare, which brings an older and younger person together so that both can have increased chances of independence. There are over 20 communities, including in Leeds, London, and other cities.

This style of shared multi-generational living or sharing a home is not for everyone, but it is a good option for some. Financially, it can benefit the older generation giving them independent affordable housing. They can save money on mortgages, energy bills, a mortgage, and many other expenses.

In turn, it can provide a way for young families to buy a home in the expensive UK housing market. As the homebuyer can share the costs. Older people can maintain their independence, yet their adult children are close by to provide needed care and assistance. As these multi-generational communities and Homeshare schemes are being built around the country, more families are realizing the advantages of choosing to purchase a multi-generational home together.