Dear Dave,

My husband and I were just talking about how we each personally know a family where the grandparents, parents, and kids are all buying a home together to live in. That isn’t something we would have considered or something we really hear much about until now. Is this just a coincidence, or are you finding that more multigenerational families are buying and living together these days?

—Shelly, Grand Junction

Shelly,

Great question—and you’re definitely noticing something real that’s happening nationwide (and even here in the Grand Valley). While multigenerational living isn’t new historically, it has become much more common in the past few years, and current data shows it’s reached record levels.

According to a recent article from Keeping Current Matters, multigenerational homebuying has jumped to an all-time high. About 19% of all homebuyers today are purchasing homes with two or more adult generations living together. To put it simply: you and your husband aren’t just seeing coincidences—you’re seeing a trend.

So why is this happening? There are a few reasons:

1. Affordability and rising costs.
Home prices and interest rates have both gone up over the past few years. For many families, pooling resources is the only way to afford the kind of home (and lifestyle) they want. It often means qualifying for a larger loan, sharing monthly expenses, and making homeownership possible in today’s market.

2. Supporting aging parents.
Many families want grandparents close by, either to care for them as they age or simply to have them as part of daily life. This arrangement can save on elder care costs and provide a sense of security and companionship.

3. Help with childcare.
On the flip side, grandparents living in the same home can help watch the kids, saving younger parents thousands per year in childcare costs—and creating stronger family bonds along the way.

4. Cultural preferences.
In many cultures, living together across generations has always been normal. As the country becomes more diverse, multigenerational living is naturally becoming more common.

5. Larger and more flexible homes.
Builders have noticed this trend too. We’re now seeing more new homes built with in-law suites, separate entrances, and flexible layouts designed to accommodate multiple generations under one roof.

What I love most about this trend is that it reflects families coming together—sharing life, responsibility, and joy under one roof. Of course, it does come with challenges: everyone needs to talk openly about finances, responsibilities, and boundaries before making such a big move.

If someone is thinking about this, I always recommend talking to an experienced real estate agent early. (and maybe a family counselor...LOL) The key is finding the right kind of home: enough bedrooms, maybe a second living space or kitchenette, and floor plans that give everyone a bit of privacy when needed.

So yes, what you’re noticing isn’t just random—it’s part of a growing shift in how people think about family, homeownership, and what “home” really means.

Thanks for bringing up such an insightful question—and happy house hunting if you ever decide to explore this path yourselves!

Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team – RE?MAX 4000

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK DAVE!

dave@thekimbroughteam.com