Survey respondents cited financial drivers as the number one reason why home buyers or sellers are moving into a house with other generations of their family. Other reasons cited were health care issues or a strong family bond. “With two or three generations living under one roof, families often experience more flexible schedules, quality time with one another, and can better juggle childcare and eldercare.

Communicating with family members and consulting with real estate professionals is also important. “Talk to everyone involved and determine how comfortable the family members are about sharing bathrooms, office space, or common areas.”

Here are some helpful hints if you are thinking about buying a multi-generational home:

• If you are a seller with a granny flat or additional spaces on your propety that could accommodate a family, be sure to highlight that when you market your house.
• Buyers should make a list of their exact needs. You may just want an extra bedroom or two, or you may require areas with a separate kitchen, entrance, or a larger garage.
• Extended families purchasing a home together should consider signing a writeen contract outlining everything from finances to chores and childcare. Each family should assess their situation individually and find a plan that works best for them.

The data showed a strong similarity between the two groups with some exceptions.  The younger age group were more interested in technology features while the older group was more interested in a single-story floor plan, and a variety of universal design features.

One surprising result was that the younger group said they want services like home maintenance and repair as part of their next home purchase, along with services usually connected with older homeowners such as housekeeping, onsite health care, and transportation.

All of the services mentioned were more important than the desire for organized social activities.

The chair of the National Association of Home Builders commented on the findings: “Most buyers in this market are looking for an easy-living lifestyle. They would like access to services that will free up their time from inside and outside home maintenance.

The share of households looking for lower-maintenance houseing is growinig larger as baby boomers enter the market for these age groups.  And the current financial situation in the country has led to sharply decreased construction of communities that serve these older age groups. Without a change in the availability of capital for development and construction. there could be a shortage of housing for these buyers.