Multi-generational Living – No Passing Trend
What was once considered old-school and unconventional is now becoming the norm in many Aussie households, and it seems that multi-generational living is no passing trend…
There’s nothing new about multi-generational living. In fact, history tells us that it’s been practiced across most cultures and countries for hundreds of years.
However, we’ve seen less of it in Australia. According to the Bureau of Statistics, the average number of persons living in one house in 1960 was 3.6. In 2011, the average was 2.6.
However, the next census (which will take place in 2021) is expected to deliver some interesting facts: across the country, more and more families are quietly embracing the concept of multi-gen living, with grandparents, parents and children all living under the same roof.
Is this shift in living preferences a Covid-induced change?
The simple answer is ‘no’, but global pandemic may have accelerated this trend.
There are many reasons that multi-generational living is re-emerging in Australia. Here are some of the factors behind families getting back together:
Financial Benefits
For some families, it’s cheaper to live together. Household expenses can be shared across several back pockets and individuals can pool funds, budgeting and allocating their finances accordingly.
We’re in a time when job security is/has been shaky and for those who have lost jobs, it’s a way to keep a roof over their heads.
Many millennials who had left the nest have returned to the family home, and for young people with student loans, the ability to share living expenses is a great incentive to live in with dad and mum.
Career Opportunities
Having parents or in-laws living in has opened career opportunities for many Australian mums and dads. In many cases, grandparents have taken on the role of childcare support, allowing both parents to work full-time jobs.
Emotional Support
For many Aussie families, it’s about more than free childcare and someone else to help pay the rates. Many people value the emotional support offered by older people to younger ones, and vice versa.
By nature, humans are sociable creatures, and we like to have company. For many Australians, multi-generational living helps to keep families connected and provides a strong network of emotional support across all age groups.
Healthcare Benefits
Many children are reluctant to put their parents into aged care facilities, choosing rather to care for them themselves.
With aged care having been in the spotlight in Melbourne over the past 18 months, many families are opting to care for their elderly relatives and keep them involved in the general community for as long as possible.
This has advantages for both parties: older folks can age in their own surroundings and children can benefit from the experience and emotional support offered by parents.
Cultural Benefits
Australia is a cultural melting pot, and for many folks, multi-generational living has a strong cultural meaning. It provides the opportunity for older generations to teach younger ones about their cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and native languages.
Change in Values
The COVID pandemic has been the catalyst for change in the way we view most aspects of our lives. For many Australian it has awakened a deeper value of life, especially of our family and friends: lockdowns, loneliness and travel restrictions have resulted in families wanting to spend more time together.
This ‘make-the-most-of-each-moment’ attitude may also be contributing to the shift in living preferences: we’ve learned to count our blessings and value our loved ones while we have them.
So, is it all ‘blue skies and happy days’? No of course not, people living in multi-generational homes face their own set of problems, with lack of privacy and excessive noise being two of the main challenges. But these seem to be outweighed by the benefits.
Will the shift towards multi-generational living affect housing preferences in Melbourne’s North?
Obviously, a family group of 5 – 10 needs more bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces than a family of 2 – 5, so larger family homes will continue to be in demand. New development may see more multi-level homes with generations living on separate floors, but all under the same roof.
Privacy, space, and separate living zones are all essential to multi-gen living, so homes that offer these options will continue to be highly prized.
The ability for folks to pool funds to purchase homes may also allow family groups are able to purchase larger, better quality homes in suburban areas. As a result, it’s suburbias time to shine!
For more information on homes that would suit multi-generational living, contact your local Love & Co team today, we’re here to find you the perfect home to suit your family arrangements.