Multigenerational Housing is Making a Comeback

According to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll, 61% of homeowners cited multigenerational housing as their primary motivation for constructing an accessory dwelling and here are some of their reasonings.

1. ADUs for Multigenerational Living: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are increasingly popular for multigenerational living arrangements. Many homeowners are motivated to construct ADUs to provide housing for aging parents or disabled family members who require additional support or caregiving.

2. Accessibility Matters: The survey indicates that accessibility is an important consideration for homeowners with ADUs. This demonstrates the growing awareness of the need for homes that can accommodate the needs of residents as they age or for individuals with disabilities.

3. Historical Context: Multigenerational living is not a new concept globally, and it was common in the United States before the 20th century. This underscores the idea that the current trend is a return to a more traditional form of living that offers mutual support within families.

4. Changing American Dream: The American dream has historically been associated with homeownership and building wealth through owning a home. However, factors like population growth, a shortage of affordable entry-level homes, and rising inflation have made homeownership increasingly unattainable for many Americans.

5. Housing Affordability: The statistics provided indicate a significant shift in the affordability of homeownership. In the past, homes were more affordable relative to family income, but today, home prices have become significantly higher compared to household incomes. Rising mortgage rates further contribute to the challenges of owning a home.

Overall, the narrative suggests that multigenerational housing is becoming more popular due to changing economic and demographic factors that make traditional homeownership more difficult. As a result, families are turning to solutions like ADUs to accommodate multiple generations under one roof and provide the care and support needed for family members with varying needs. This trend highlights the adaptability of housing arrangements in response to evolving societal and economic conditions.