Multigenerational living: benefits, challenges and tips

Multigenerational living is a growing trend. In fact, a recent report found that 1.8 million households in the UK contain two or more adult generations living together, and census data tells us 71% of Brits would consider it in the future.

The truth is, young people are staying at home longer, and more families with older relatives are considering intergenerational living to meet their differing needs too.

If this sounds like you, there are steps you can take to make your multigenerational living arrangement a positive experience. In this article, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of multigenerational living, and tips to help you make it work for you and your family life. 

In this article, we'll explore: 

• What is multigenerational living?
• The benefits of multigenerational households
• The challenges of multigenerational living arrangements
• Quiz: find out if multigenerational living is right for you
• Tips to get the most out of multigenerational living

What is multigenerational living?

Multigenerational living (sometimes called intergenerational living) refers to the arrangement where two or more adult generations, usually family relations, live in the same home. For example, this could be children, parents, and grandparents living together.

Multiple generations of families living under one roof is common all over the world, but it's now the fastest-growing household type in the UK.

What are the benefits of multigenerational living?

Here are some of the key positives to having two or three generations of adults under the same roof:

1. You'll build strong intergenerational relationships

Living in a multigenerational home can see families get to know each other on a deeper level, as it creates more opportunity for intergenerational activities.

Grandparents get to spend more quality time with little ones – for example, gardening with grandchildren, playing games or watching films. Parents can keep up with their adult children, and younger generations have more opportunity for support and guidance from older relatives.

Living with different generations of immediate family can create a sense of belonging. It enhances mutual understanding, empathy and connection, contributing to a supportive and nurturing family dynamic.

2. You'll have easier access to care

Multigenerational living can provide invaluable care support - for young and old.

Childcare is usually more available, as there are more household members to lend an extra pair of hands for the supervision for younger children. Older family members can also contribute to day-to-day tasks like making dinner or driving to swimming lessons, easing the burden of responsibility on parents and fostering a collaborative family environment.

A multi-generational household is often more resilient when older family members require care. For families with disabled adults or elderly parents, it offers convenience and assurance they’re in good hands - and it reduces costs associated with professional caregiving.

Older children stepping in to support grandparents, and vice versa, creates a joint caregiving dynamic. In this inclusive home setting, caregiving becomes a shared responsibility, enriching the lives of all family members.

3. You'll share living costs

Many families choose to live in multigenerational households for financial reasons. Pooling financial resources can help share the burden of mortgage or rent, as well as utilities, council tax and groceries.

1. For adult children, moving in with parents can help them to save for a deposit for an eventual home of their own. Many adults also move back home after university because salary increases have not kept up with the rising cost of living.
2. For parents of adult children who are now contributing to household bills, the additional disposable income can give them more freedom.
3. For multigenerational households with older relatives, or with adults in poor health, this setup can reduce the cost of care. When full-time care isn't needed, having a carer visit the property can add to thousands of pounds a year.

For adults in need of care, it's important to have a backup plan in place, too. There may be a point where your family members can't deliver the care you need, so a care plan will give everyone peace of mind.

4. You'll reduce loneliness - for everyone

Britain is experiencing a "loneliness epidemic" - with every generation feeling isolated.

A nationwide study found that 12% of young people feel 'often or always' lonely, while another government study found that 27% of working age adults felt this way. In another devastating survey by Age UK, more than a million older people said they go at least a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

Furthermore, a recent study found people living with a limiting long-term illness or disability were almost three times as likely to say they feel lonely.

For millions of lonely people therefore, multigenerational housing and the social integration it offers can improve wellbeing, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing quality of life.  

5. You'll support health and wellbeing

Multigenerational family living arrangements don't just reduce loneliness – they can improve your mental health in other ways, too.

For seniors concerned about memory loss or cognitive change, the daily rhythm of multi-generational households can help. Seeing familiar faces and taking part in daily routines plays a pivotal role in easing anxiety, and studies indicate it can even help to stop the decline in cognitive function.

Even if you're not noticing a cognitive decline, having an active role in daily tasks can help protect your memory. Taking children on the school run, doing the weekly shop, or simply being around little ones can boost cognitive function and social stimulation. Naturally, running around after them supports physical health too!

The whole family can benefit from living as two or more generations together. It provides more chance to learn from other family members and pass skills to one another - whether it's how to use modern technology, or making repairs, baking and gardening.

What are the challenges of multigenerational living? 

Just like any family home, multigenerational households aren't perfect. Here are the most common issues people in multigenerational living arrangements face:

1. Reduced privacy

When a large family is under one roof, it's more difficult for family members have their own separate spaces.

People accustomed to living independently, such as grandparents and young adults returning from university, can find the reduced privacy of multigenerational living quite challenging. It’s human nature to crave "me time", so it's important that other family members respect boundaries and allow for others to have their own space.

The fact is, some homes are more geared for privacy than others, with more space, or even different access points for people to have their own front door. But most homes don't have this luxury. It is therefore important to create a family routine that affords all adults some personal time.

2. Potential family conflict

More time together can strengthen bonds, but it also can give rise to more conflicts.

Tensions can rise in multigenerational households. The transition to one household itself can be challenging - in fact, 57% of Brits said moving house is their most stressful life event. The merging of day-to-day life can also be tricky, as roles and responsibilities change. Add to this the fact that sometimes, people just have bad days - and some family members just don't get along as well as others (we've all heard the mother-in-law jokes...) and things can get uncomfortable.

Differing opinions can feel personal. Grandparents might not agree with their child's parenting or financial choices. Sensitive matters like money or values can also spark disagreements.

It's important to establish a healthy way to air opinions (and grievances) and come to positive resolutions.

3. More noise

More people living together in one house will undoubtedly increase noise levels.

Louder noises from young ones playing, older children listening to music, or the hubbub caused by social gatherings can be irritating to other members of the household. Older relatives who may be hard of hearing might unknowingly contribute to household noise, too. Perhaps you've got used to listening to the radio or the TV with the volume right up? This could pose a problem for other adults who may be trying to get on with tasks in another room.

The increasing number of Brits working from home means that quiet time is a precious commodity. It's important to consider how your multigenerational situation can cater to everyone's needs.

4. Risk of caregiver burnout

For the ‘Sandwich Generation’ particularly, balancing caregiving duties for both young children and older family members can be very demanding.  

Caregivers tend to prioritise the needs of others over their own wellbeing, neglecting self-care in the process. This can result in fatigue, stress and other signs of caregiver burnout. If this sounds like you, prioritising your own needs – like finding time for coffee with a friend and participating in hobbies you love – can maintain much-needed balance. Care for carers is just as important.

Feelings of neglect can also set in if a relative feels unappreciated. Make sure to check in with everyone.

Quiz: is multigenerational living right for you?

So, what's next? To help you decide if a multigenerational home is the right route for you and your family, take our compatibility test. 

This quiz is designed to open conversations between generations so you can make the right, (informed) decision. Note down your answers to each of the questions to get a feel for the best possible future for you all.

Take our quiz to find out if multigenerational living will suit you:

Top tips to master multigenerational living

If you’re seriously considering joining households, feel assured that it can really work. Challenges arise in all households, but the quality time you'll spend together is so valuable.

Here’s how to give it your best shot:

1. Set your house up for success (and access)

For those welcoming elderly parents or other relatives with limited mobility, home adaptations make life comfortable. Factoring the needs of different age groups in your family home will help make everyday life easier, but many people forget to take this crucial step early on. However, future-proofing a home for your life ahead (when adaptations might be necessary anyway) elevates it into Forever Home.  

Naturally, we recommend considering stairlifts or home lifts. But it's important to consider other accessible home adaptations too. From installing walk-in bathtubs and a downstairs toilet, to making sure family rooms have wheelchair access, there are steps you can take now that will reduce stress and make everyone feel happy at home.

We've outlined more tips for preparing your home for multigenerational living  below.

2. Establish clear communication

Open, honest communication is the bedrock of a successful multigenerational home. Nurturing an environment where family members feel comfortable expressing their concerns and addressing conflicts in a constructive way, minimises tension so resolutions can be reached sooner.

Family meetings provide valuable time to discuss any recent issues before they come to a head, coordinate schedules and manage expectations. Ensure that everyone gets a chance to voice their opinions and feel heard (and therefore valued) in any decision-making.

3. Define roles and responsibilities

Mapping out and clearly explaining each family member's responsibilities around the home is important to maintain harmony.

Identify each adult family member's individual strengths, preferences, ability and availability, to assign tasks in a way that is both efficient and fair. By doing this, you’ll prevent resentment or conflict. From household chores to caregiving responsibilities, establishing clear expectations helps everyone understand their role in contributing to the family's routine and wellbeing.

4. Respect individual boundaries

Recognising and respecting everyone's needs - especially for privacy and downtime - is fundamental to a healthy multigenerational living environment. This is especially important for families who have not lived together before, such as in-laws.

Before joining households, put in time to discuss what everyone's time looks like, plus what they value about their routines and spaces in their current household setup. This can help you identify needs and accommodate them when you move in together.

5. Set financial expectations

Talking freely about financial contributions and responsibilities from the outset is crucial for avoiding conflict down the line – ideally, before anyone has moved in.

Identify broadly how much the joining relative has to their name to get a feel for their contribution and clarify financial obligations. Work out how you will split household expenses – from rent to groceries – based on the appropriate family members’ current income or pension. This transparent approach promotes accountability, helps to ease any financial worries and eliminates awkwardness later on.

Remember that planning permission might be needed if physical changes are being made to a house. Understanding regulations around Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is important, although exemptions apply if residents are related. Addressing these legal considerations in good time ensures a smooth transition into multigenerational life.

6. Promote inclusivity and mutual respect

You may have spotted a trend in our tips so far: they're all about finding ways to clarify needs and accommodate them. To do this effectively, you need to establish an attitude of inclusivity and mutual respect.

Multigenerational living arrangements are at their best when they take everyone into account. Every person in your household will have different wants and needs, and it can feel a tough juggling act to balance them all - but willingness across generations to provide support is where multigenerational living really comes into its own.  

Tips to prepare your home for multigenerational living

Multigenerational living often arises from necessity. However, without proper planning, this sudden change can create pressure and strain within a family. With thoughtful adaptations, however, you can effectively address these challenges – and you may find that a little creativity will bring fresh life to your home.

Here are our top tips for to get your home in shape:

1. Consider handles, rails and doorways
   Installing ramps or grab bars and widening doorways can significantly improve accessibility. Lever-style door handles and tap aids are beneficial for those with limited dexterity, enhancing their independence.
2. Bring key amenities downstairs
   A downstairs bedroom and bathroom will bring comfort for any family members that might struggle with mobility. If this isn’t possible, a stairlift or home lift can be the solution. If you’re debating the cost, stairlift grants can really help.  
3. Consider outdoor spaces
   Accessible garden design – from installing a ramp so loved ones can move around with ease, to adding raised flower beds – could make a world of difference. It means less able-bodied people can still enjoy the garden and contribute to gardening duties, too.
4. Think about multifunctional spaces
   Try to make your living areas cater to various activities and preferences, to promote positive interaction among all family members. Utilising multi-functional furniture and storage solutions maximises space adaptability.
5. Create private sanctuaries
   While it may not always be possible for multigenerational households to have designated private spaces for everyone, you can still help by creating separate zones within the home where different generations can comfortably relax, work, socialise and play. This fosters a harmonious and versatile living space that meets the needs of everyone.
6. Consider decluttering strategies
   Ensuring safety in the home involves more than just installing lighting and security systems; it also requires minimising potential hazards through decluttering. By removing tripping hazards and organising living spaces, you reduce the risk of accidents. Implementing non-slip flooring materials also enhances safety, preventing slips and falls by children and elderly relatives.
   
   

Making multigenerational households work for all family members

If you’re considering multigenerational housing, you've already given yourself a head start by reading this article. Hopefully, you'll now have a few ideas about how to make all family relations feel like their needs are considered, and a couple of routes to make your multigenerational household work harder for you - from multifunctional family room strategies to discussion points to get the most out of the financial incentives.

Recognising when living together no longer works for your family is important, too. There are always options if, despite best intentions, multigenerational living doesn’t work in practice.

For many, however, multigenerational homes can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories for all family members. Despite the challenges, the journey of multigenerational living offers unique opportunities for growth, resilience and the celebration of family in all its diverse forms.

If you would like to find out more about how Stannah can help you prepare your home for your next step, get in touch.