Multigenerational living has made a comeback in Australia. Research from UNSW City Futures Research Centre shows one in five Australians now share homes with two or more generations of adult family members. Sydney leads this trend, where one-quarter (23.6%) of people live in multigenerational homes.
Cultural traditions and money needs drive this growth. Since the early 1980s, Southern and Eastern European households have led the way in multigenerational living. The digital world has changed, and now North African, Middle Eastern, and East Asian families embrace this lifestyle more.
Money and housing costs remain the biggest reason behind this trend. Dr Edgar Liu from UNSW explains: “You have young people who, increasingly, are unable to afford to leave home, and at the same time, you have [their parents and grandparents] experiencing perhaps similar financial stress”. Australia’s ageing population and rising childcare and aged care costs make families think over shared living options.
As experienced luxury home builders, BESA designs and constructs multigenerational homes that combine privacy, comfort, and modern living, tailored to support the unique needs of extended families. Check out our portfolio here.
Families start living together to save money but find many more benefits:
People over 65 make up the fastest-growing group in multigenerational homes. Many families choose to let older members age at home rather than move to care facilities. This setup lets older adults get support while they stay independent and keep their dignity within the family.
A thoughtful plan balances privacy and togetherness when designing custom homes for multiple generations. Smart multigenerational home designs address everyone’s needs under one roof. Grandparents and grandchildren need spaces that support independence while keeping the family connected.
Private spaces are the cornerstone of multigenerational homes. Modern designs typically feature two master suites: one upstairs and one downstairs. These arrangements give extended family members comfortable living spaces while staying close to shared areas.
Family members can move freely with separate entrances without disturbing others. Self-contained areas include private living spaces, bedrooms with ensuites, and even kitchenettes. These well-planned zones help family members live together peacefully and reduce friction.
Shared areas make multigenerational living special, even though privacy matters. Open-plan living areas promote family interaction and serve as central gathering spots. Large kitchens with plenty of storage and butler’s pantries let multiple cooks work together, making meal prep a family activity.
Outdoor spaces, especially alfresco areas, give families extra room to gather. These adaptable spaces work for different ages and activities, making family time more enjoyable. Large dining areas where everyone eats together help build stronger family bonds.
Smart multigenerational home designs use universal design principles that work as mobility needs change over time. Ground-floor bedrooms for older family members, wider doorways for mobility aids, and level entryways make the home more accessible.
Bathrooms become safer for older adults and young children with walk-in showers, grab bars, non-slip flooring, and good lighting. These features prevent injuries and give families peace of mind that everyone stays safe.
The best multigenerational homes combine practical features with flexibility. They create spaces that grow and change as the family’s needs evolve.
Families need functional spaces in multigenerational homes that meet everyone’s daily needs. Smart design choices can change ordinary rooms into versatile areas that work well for family members of all ages.
Shared bathrooms often cause friction in households. You need enough bathrooms to meet each generation’s specific needs. Elderly family members need grab bars, shower seats, and detachable shower heads. Children benefit from anti-slip flooring and sinks at the right height.
Having your own kitchen is one of the key benefits of multigenerational living homes. It allows for greater independence, especially for families with different routines, dietary needs, or cultural food preferences. Separate kitchens can help reduce crowding during meal prep and make it easier to maintain cleanliness and organisation.
Well-designed utility spaces improve daily life by a lot in multigenerational homes. A central laundry room should be easy to reach from all living areas. Some clever designs use laundry rooms as connection points between separate living quarters. This creates shared spaces where families can interact while keeping their privacy.
Each machine needs 25 square feet with enough space for mobility aids. Comfortable seating, folding areas, and storage meet each family’s needs. Bright lighting and tough, easy-to-clean surfaces help these busy areas last for years.
Good acoustic design creates harmony in shared households. High-quality wall and floor insulation helps soundproof primary living areas. Solid-core doors and weather stripping stop sound leaks, and acoustic ceiling treatments absorb noise.
Buffer zones like hallways or storage areas work well between noisy and quiet spaces. Soft furnishings, bookshelves on shared walls, and double-glazed windows reduce sound transfer. These details help each generation enjoy their space without bothering others.
Modern floor plans have evolved because families just need more space for multigenerational living. Today’s innovative designs feature specialised layouts that give extended families their own space while everyone keeps their privacy and independence.
Dual master suite configuration is the life-blood of successful multigenerational homes. These layouts come with two equally important primary bedrooms. You’ll usually find one upstairs and one downstairs. This setup will give a comfortable space for different generations, especially when you have older family members who prefer living on the ground floor. More families now see this dual master bedroom concept as a smart way to make their homes more livable as they age.
Each master bedroom comes with its own private ensuite, and they sit at opposite ends of the home to maximise privacy. Some creative floor plans, like the Provincial Grand Pantry design, turn front home theatre spaces and nearby bedrooms into a second master suite that has its own private spot in the home.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which people also call granny flats, in-law suites, or guest houses, give families another great way to live together. These self-contained spaces come with a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and usually a small kitchen, plus their own entrance separate from the main house.
ADUs have become a soaring win lately, with a survey showing that 61% of homeowners cited multigenerational housing as their primary motivation for constructing an ADU. It also turns out that one in four homeowners either house a disabled family member in their ADU or plan to do so.
You can add these versatile spaces to your home by converting a garage or basement, or build them as separate structures on your property. They let families stay close while keeping their privacy, which is perfect for ageing parents or adult children. These units help families handle caregiving duties, share housing costs, and give everyone their personal space.
Your home should adapt to your family’s changing needs. This makes planning ahead a vital part of designing effective multigenerational homes. Family dynamics change naturally, so your home needs to stay functional through the years.
Smart designs with sliding doors and walls can change a five-bedroom family home into different layouts. These include a self-contained two-bedroom wing with a separate three-bedroom area, or a one-bedroom wing with four bedrooms in the main house. You don’t need a big budget to make this happen. Simple changes like replacing fixed walls with large bi-fold or sliding doors can work well.
Rooms that serve multiple purposes let your home evolve with your family’s needs. A spare room can start as a study, become a nursery later, and transform into a caregiver’s space when needed. One Melbourne home shows this perfectly. The children’s rooms have a sliding wall that combines them into one larger bedroom for future use.
Smart home technology brings great benefits to multigenerational households by meeting everyone’s needs:
These technologies do more than add convenience. They level the playing field in multigenerational homes. Smart lighting and temperature control systems create individual comfort zones. Fall detection sensors add important safety features for elderly residents. Voice assistants with multi-user recognition give custom responses to different family members, making technology available across generations.
Your multigenerational home needs both physical adaptability and smart technology integration. This combination creates a space that grows with your family.
Starting to create your multigenerational home needs proper planning and expert help. The project might feel daunting at first. Breaking it down into smaller steps will help you direct this exciting project confidently.
Expert knowledge plays a significant role in designing a home for multiple generations. The right professionals for your project should have specific experience with multigenerational designs.
At BESA, we build homes that stand the test of time. Homes that strike the delicate balance between shared spaces and privacy. From the first consultation to the final handover, we ensure a seamless and personalised experience. With a curated range of premium materials, thoughtful planning, and a trusted network of building specialists, we create timeless spaces that honour your legacy and reflect your family’s unique story.
Multigenerational living isn’t just a trend, it’s a smart, sustainable way to bring families together while giving everyone the space and privacy they need. With the right design, your home can support today’s routines and tomorrow’s possibilities.
At BESA, we understand the unique challenges and rewards of building for multiple generations. Whether you’re planning a dual-living layout, adding a granny flat, or designing a future-proof family haven, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s design a home that fits your family’s story. Get in touch with us today to start planning your multigenerational home.