Americans buy multigenerational homes for savings and caregiving
Updated
Updated · MarketWatch · May 9
Americans buy multigenerational homes for savings and caregiving
6 articles · Updated · MarketWatch · May 9
The share was 14% in 2026, down from 17% last year, while Pew says multigenerational households reached nearly 60 million in 2021.
Gen X buyers account for 19% of such purchases, with care for ageing parents a leading motive as nursing home and assisted-living costs remain high.
Builders are adding features such as separate suites, kitchenettes and larger ADUs, reflecting demand as older housing stock often lacks accessibility for ageing in place.
Is the rise of the multigenerational home a sign of family resilience or a failing American dream?
With multigenerational homes costing 65% more, are families simply trading one financial burden for another?
Beyond adding in-law suites, how must our cities and suburbs adapt to this fundamental shift in family life?
14% of U.S. Home Buyers Now Choose Multigenerational Living: Economic, Social, and Industry Impacts in 2025
Overview
The report highlights a major surge in multigenerational home buying in 2025, driven by rising housing costs and changing social dynamics. As home prices climb and incomes struggle to keep up, especially in places like Florida, more young adults are living with their parents, leading to nearly half of adults aged 18 to 29 residing at home. This shift is reshaping traditional family structures and increasing demand for homes that can support multiple generations under one roof. The trend reflects both economic pressures and a move away from single-family living, signaling a fundamental change in American housing decisions.