Multigenerational Living: The Growing Trend Reshaping Today's Housing Market

The Canadian housing landscape is experiencing a significant shift in preferences and lifestyle choices. One trend that continues to gain momentum is multigenerational living—where three or more generations share a single household.

This arrangement, once common in many cultures, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence across Canada. Today's article explores why this lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular, what emotional and practical factors drive these decisions, and what families need to know when considering this path.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Statistics from the most recent Statistics Canada's 2016 Census revealed that 6.3% of Canadians lived in multigenerational households(1). According to the more recent 2021 Census of Population, this percentage has continued to increase, with the most significant growth observed in urban centers like Vancouver and Toronto(2).

Industry analysts suggest this growth has accelerated further in recent years, with estimates projecting that by 2025, the figure could approach 10% of Canadian households. This isn't merely a temporary response to economic pressures; it represents a fundamental shift in how Canadian families view their living arrangements and relationships.

Why Families Are Choosing to Live Together

From the unique perspective of real estate expertise combined with emotional intelligence training, several key factors driving this trend emerge:

1. Financial Practicality

The economic advantages are substantial, particularly in Canada's high-cost housing markets. According to a 2023 report from the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC), shared housing costs can reduce individual financial burden by 30-40% per household member(3). For young adults facing the challenge of entering Canada's expensive housing market or seniors on fixed incomes, these arrangements provide financial breathing room that separate households simply cannot.

2. Caregiving Support Systems

As Canada's population ages, families are recognizing the value of proximity for caregiving purposes. Statistics Canada projects that by 2030, approximately 23% of Canadians will be seniors(4), intensifying the need for innovative care solutions. Rather than navigating the complexities and costs of external care facilities, many families are choosing to bring aging parents home while maintaining everyone's dignity and independence through thoughtful home design.

Simultaneously, working parents benefit from having trusted family members available for childcare—creating a beautiful cycle of reciprocal support across generations.

3. Cultural Values and Connection

For many Canadian families, particularly in diverse metropolitan areas, the decision reflects deeply held cultural values around family cohesion. Housing arrangements that align with core values significantly enhance emotional well-being and life satisfaction.

4. Environmental Consciousness

Sharing resources naturally reduces a family's overall environmental footprint—from energy consumption to land use. For environmentally conscious Canadians, this aligns practical housing decisions with values about sustainability.

What Makes a Successful Multigenerational Household?

Successful shared living spaces require more than just architectural solutions—they demand emotional awareness and clear communication.

The Physical Space

The most successful multigenerational homes include:

Clearly Defined Private Areas Each generation needs spaces that feel distinctly their own. This might mean separate wings, floors, or even accessory dwelling units on the property.

Thoughtful Universal Design Features like zero-step entrances, wide doorways, and first-floor primary suites accommodate changing mobility needs across the lifespan.

Multiple Kitchen Arrangements Whether it's a second full kitchen or a well-designed kitchenette in an in-law suite, food preparation spaces often become important symbols of independence.

Flexible Spaces Rooms that can transition from playrooms to home offices to hobby spaces as family needs evolve.

The Emotional Landscape

As important as physical design is the emotional foundation. Successful multigenerational households typically demonstrate:

Clear Communication Patterns Open, honest conversations about expectations, boundaries, and shared responsibilities are essential. This includes discussions about finances, childcare responsibilities, and privacy needs.

Respect for Autonomy Each adult member needs to feel their independence is respected, even within a shared living environment. This requires emotional intelligence and continual awareness of power dynamics.

Conflict Resolution Skills Different generations bring different perspectives, values, and expectations. The ability to navigate these differences respectfully is crucial for harmony.

What Buyers Should Look For

Families considering purchasing a home for multigenerational living should be aware that not all properties can be easily adapted. Look for:

• Homes with natural divisions in the floor plan

• Properties with potential for additions or renovations

• Zoning regulations that permit secondary suites (important to research by municipality)

• Neighbourhoods with amenities that serve various age groups

• Accessibility features or the potential to add them

• Multiple parking spaces to accommodate several adult drivers

What Sellers Should Highlight

When selling a home that could accommodate multigenerational living, emphasis should be placed on:

• Flexible floor plans with potential for private suites

• Multiple living areas that allow for shared and separate activities

• Universal design features that work for all ages

• Proximity to varied amenities (schools AND senior centers)

• Energy efficiency that helps manage shared utility costs

The Real Estate Professional's Role

There are benefits to a realtor with a diverse background in HR, Leadership and Emotional Intelligence training as it brings unique value to multigenerational home searches. Their role extends beyond simply finding homes with the right number of bedrooms to include:

• Facilitating family conversations about needs and expectations

• Identifying properties with the right balance of togetherness and privacy

• Connecting families with renovation specialists who understand multigenerational needs

• Helping families navigate zoning and permit requirements for potential modifications

• Ensuring all generations feel heard and respected throughout the process

Looking Ahead

The multigenerational living trend isn't merely a response to current housing or economic conditions—it represents a meaningful re-evaluation of family structures and support systems. As housing designs and community planning continue to evolve across Canada, we'll likely see even more innovations specifically tailored to these arrangements.

For families considering this path, the key is approaching the decision with both practical considerations and emotional awareness. When done thoughtfully, multigenerational living can create rich opportunities for connection across generations while addressing practical needs for all family members.

Next Steps

Whether a family is considering bringing relatives into their current home or searching for a new property to accommodate multiple generations, the process begins with honest conversation. Before looking at floor plans, families should sit down together to discuss:

• What does privacy mean to each person?

• How will finances be handled?

• What are the expectations around meals, childcare, and shared activities?

• What accessibility needs might emerge in the coming years?

These conversations lay the groundwork for successful shared living before the first architectural plan is drawn.

What experiences have you had with multigenerational living? Have you considered this arrangement? What questions or concerns would you have about bringing multiple generations under one roof?