A FAMILY HOME FOR THE AGES

HOUSEHOLDS that have members from multiple different generations are becoming more common although the extent of this change depends on which research you look at.

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A new study by homelifts specialist Uplifts found 49% of 2,000 UK adults questioned lived in such a household, and more than a third (34%) of those surveyed had made changes to better accommodate all those living there.

However, the Centre for Ageing Better points out that in the most recent Census, in 2021, just 2.1% of households in England and Wales were multigenerational, an increase from 1.8% in 2011.

Prabash Edirisingha, a consumer researcher at Northumbria University who studies family consumption patterns across generations, says: "My research into multi-generational households reveals they are now the fastest-growing household type in England and Wales.

"While the emotional and economic advantages are undeniable, families must remain realistic about the challenges. Different generations often bring diverse expectations, lifestyles and values into shared spaces - differences that can lead to tension if not thoughtfully managed."

While the increase in multigenerational living is, in part, due to financial necessity, with many young people unable to afford to buy their own homes and their grandparents not wanting to spend their savings on care home costs, the Uplifts research found there are other reasons for the increase.

Although saving money was a key advantage for 39% of those questioned, more than half (55%) cited stronger family bonds as the primary benefit. Kate Sheehan, an occupational therapist specialising in housing adaptations, stresses that being aware of how members of the household's needs might change over time is vital.