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Multigenerational Home Demand Has Driven New Designs

Buyers are choosing layouts with private suites as more families share space to manage rising housing costs.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Residential

Bold vector editorial illustration of a house cross-section with distinct living suites, representing modern multigenerational home design.
Families are increasingly turning to new home designs with independent living suites as multigenerational households become more common across the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The percentage of the U.S. population living in multigenerational households has risen to 22% in 2024, up from 19% in 2020. This shift has led major builders like Lennar and PulteGroup to prioritize home designs that accommodate aging parents or adult children.

Why it matters

Rising housing costs have accelerated the shift toward multigenerational living as families pool resources to share expenses and living space. This trend is reshaping new construction as builders offer homes with dedicated, independent living areas to meet changing household needs.

In 2024, 22% of the U.S. population lived in multigenerational households, contributing to a 22% price premium for homes marketed with these features. New developments like Miami's 103-lot Greenview at Presidential now feature homes from 2,100 to 3,900 square feet priced between $2.5 million and $3.5 million.

The players

Lennar

A national homebuilder that offers Next Gen floorplans with private suites for multigenerational families.

PulteGroup

A large residential developer that provides consumer housing options including the AllGen home concept.

The details

Builders are adapting to this demand by creating floorplans with separate living suites located on the first floor. These designs allow occupants to maintain independent daily routines while remaining connected to the main household. By integrating these suites directly into new construction, companies aim to provide flexibility for multi-generational families without requiring extensive renovations.

Timeline

  1. 2010 marked when 16% of the U.S. population lived in multigenerational households.

  2. 2020 saw the percentage of the U.S. population in multigenerational households reach 19%.

  3. 2024 data shows 22% of the U.S. population now lives in multigenerational households.

  4. 2025 was when PulteGroup introduced its AllGen home concept.

Money Landscape

The steady rise in multigenerational living represents a departure from the historical prevalence of the nuclear family model. It currently follows a clear pattern of growth as households seek to mitigate high housing costs through shared arrangements.

If you are considering a home purchase, keep in mind that properties marketed as multigenerational often command a 22% price premium. When evaluating floorplans, consult with a qualified financial professional to determine if a multi-suite design fits your long-term budget and equity goals.

The takeaway

The move toward multigenerational living is a permanent adjustment for many families looking to pool costs amidst elevated property prices. When planning for future housing, review your local market to determine if a specialized floorplan provides better value than a traditional home purchase.

Further reading

For more on evolving home designs, visit the Residential section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by HousingWire.

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Would you consider living in a multigenerational household to manage housing costs?