Picture this: You come home after a long day at work. Your dad’s in the kitchen showing your daughter how to make his famous pasta sauce. Out on the patio, your mom’s watering her plants. Upstairs, your brother’s wrapping up a Zoom call in his home office. Sounds a little hectic, right? Maybe. But for millions of families across the country, this kind of a multigenerational home is quickly becoming the norm—and many are finding they actually love it.
In fact, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, backed by Warren Buffett’s sharp market instincts, says multigenerational living is on track to be one of the next big housing trends.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why More Families Are Living Together in 2025
Back in 2010, about 5.1 million households in the U.S. were considered to have been doing multigenerational living. By 2020, that number climbed to 6 million. Fast forward to today, and over 59 million Americans are living in homes shared by multiple adult generations—and that number’s still growing.
So what’s behind this shift? There’s no single reason—it’s a mix of things:
- Housing costs are tough. Many Millennials and Gen Z adults are making around $10,000 less than their parents did at the same age (when you adjust for inflation), all while home prices and interest rates keep going up.
- Senior care isn’t cheap. Retirement savings often fall short when it comes to paying for long-term care or assisted living. Plus, many older adults would rather stay in a family home than move into a facility.
- Childcare is getting pricey. For families with young kids, having grandparents around can save thousands each year in daycare costs—not to mention the bonus of quality family time.
- Remote work changed the game. With flexible work setups now more common, it’s easier than ever for multiple adults to live and work together under the same roof—without worrying about long commutes.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about saving money. For a lot of families, multigenerational living offers a sense of connection, teamwork, and support that just makes life a little bit smoother.
A Smart Move for Investors, Too
Multigenerational living isn’t just a lifestyle shift—it’s a real estate opportunity.
Berkshire Hathaway even called it a “goldmine for remodelers,” and honestly, they’re onto something. As more families look for homes that offer both shared space and personal privacy, demand for multigenerational-friendly properties is only going up.
For homeowners, converting an unused area into a private suite—or adding features like accessible bathrooms and main-floor bedrooms—can add serious value to your home. And for investors? It’s a chance to tap into a fast-growing market. Whether you’re buying properties with potential for conversion or building rentals specifically designed for multigenerational use, there’s potential for strong returns and longer-term tenants.
It’s one of those rare win-win opportunities: meeting a real need while building equity and income.
Looking Ahead: The Future of a Multigenerational Homes
Builders are paying attention. All over the country, we’re seeing new neighborhoods with floor plans designed specifically for multigenerational living—homes that reflect how people actually live today.
These homes often include:
- Private living spaces for parents, grandparents, or adult kids
- Shared areas where the whole family can come together, with enough space to enjoy a little quiet time, too
- Aging-in-place features like wider doorways, no-step entries, and first-floor bedrooms—helpful now and money-saving later
This isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s about building homes that support the way families live today—more connected, more adaptable, and better equipped to support each other through every stage of life.
Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, understanding this shift in how families live can help you make smarter, more future-proof real estate choices.