As living costs soar, more families are choosing to live together, driving multigenerational home purchases to a record 17% of all home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
Gen X leads this shift, making up 21% of these buyers—more than any other generation. Often called the “sandwich generation,” Gen Xers are supporting both aging parents and adult children under one roof.
Multigenerational homes, which include households with multiple adult generations, are increasingly seen as a solution to rising housing prices, student debt, and caregiving needs.
In just a decade, Gen X’s share of this market has grown from 12% to 21%. Older millennials (ages 35–44) and younger baby boomers (ages 60–69) follow, with 12% and 15% respectively. Notably, the share of baby boomers has declined from 22% in 2013.
Why the trend?
- 1 in 3 buyers now cite cost savings as their main reason for buying multigenerational homes.
- 21% say their adult children moved back in.
- 20% say their children never moved out.
- 35% of older millennials bought homes to care for aging parents.
Experts suggest multigenerational living is becoming a long-term solution as families adapt to economic challenges and changing needs.
