Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family
More families are choosing to live under one roof: parents, grown children, grandparents, and sometimes extended relatives. According to Pew Research, a record 18% of Americans lived in multigenerational households in 2021, nearly four times the share in 1971.[1] And the National Association of REALTORS® reports that 17% of homebuyers bought a multigenerational home in the past year, the highest share on record.[2]
Here in South Florida, that's no surprise. Our communities are diverse, multicultural, and family-centered, and for many families, living together is simply how it's always been done. Rising home prices, childcare costs, and caring for aging parents have made it even more appealing.
But finding a home that truly works for more than one generation takes planning. Here's what to look for, and what to check before you buy, build, or add on.
Why Families Are Choosing Multigenerational Living
- Shared costs: Pooling resources can make a larger or better-located home affordable.
- Caring for aging parents: Keep loved ones close without giving up everyone's independence.
- Built-in childcare: Grandparents helping with the kids is a win for everyone.
- Adult children: Young adults saving for their own home can build their savings faster.
- Culture and connection: For many South Florida families, living together is a tradition and a joy.
What to Look For in a Multigenerational Home
The best multigenerational homes give everyone togetherness and privacy. Look for:
- A separate in-law suite or guest quarters with its own bedroom, bathroom, and ideally a private entrance
- Two primary suites, so no one feels like they're in the "guest room"
- A first-floor bedroom and full bathroom for relatives who can't handle stairs
- A kitchenette or second kitchen so each household can keep its own routine
- Accessibility features: wide doorways, a zero-step entry, a walk-in shower, and grab bars, or the potential to add them
- Enough parking for multiple drivers. Check HOA parking rules; many communities limit vehicles.
- Separation between living areas, like a split floor plan, so noise and schedules don't collide
South Florida's Hidden Gem: The Mother-in-Law Suite
Here's something many buyers don't realize. In the older neighborhoods of Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, homes with mother-in-law suites have been popular since the 1950s. Many of these homes have a separate suite or attached efficiency, often with its own entrance, that's perfect for a parent, an adult child, or extended family.
These homes are consistently popular with buyers, and they often come with larger lots and established neighborhoods, without the HOA restrictions common in newer communities.
My renovation tip: Before you fall in love with an in-law suite, confirm it's permitted. Over the decades, many suites and efficiencies were added or converted without permits. Unpermitted space can cause problems with:
- Insurance: It may not be covered.
- Financing and appraisal: It may not count toward the home's value.
- Resale: Future buyers will ask about it.
- Safety: Wiring, plumbing, and structure may not meet code.
I help my buyers check the permit history before they make an offer, so there are no surprises later.
Building or Adding On: Check Zoning First!
Can't find the perfect setup? You may be able to create one by adding a suite, converting existing space, or placing a second unit on the lot.
Modular units are an interesting option. They're built in a factory, delivered to your property, and can often be finished faster than traditional construction. In Florida, modular homes are built to the Florida Building Code, and some families use them as backyard in-law units or guest cottages.
But before you build, buy, or plan anything, check with the city's zoning and building department. Each city, including Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Hollywood, has its own rules on:
- Whether a second unit or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is allowed on your lot
- Lot size, setbacks, and how much of the lot can be built on
- Parking, utility connections, and separate meters or addresses
- Whether the unit can be rented, and to whom
- Permits and inspections for additions, conversions, and modular units
If you're in an HOA, you'll also need association approval, and some HOAs don't allow additions or second units at all.
Buying with a plan to add on? Check zoning and HOA rules before you close. This is exactly where my renovation background helps. I can help you evaluate whether a property has room, and permission, to grow with your family.
Talk About Money and Ownership Early
When more than one generation buys together, have honest conversations upfront:
- Whose name goes on the title and the mortgage?
- How will you split the down payment, mortgage, taxes, insurance, and repairs?
- What happens if someone wants to move out, or the home is sold?
- Estate planning: Consider meeting with a real estate or estate planning attorney to put your agreements in writing.
Florida tax note: Renting part of your homestead to someone outside the family can affect your homestead exemption. Talk to the property appraiser's office or a tax professional about your situation.
Finding the Right Home for Every Generation
A multigenerational home isn't just a bigger house. It's a home designed for connection, privacy, and the stages of life your family is heading into. With the right property, or the right plan to create it, everyone can feel at home.
I know where the in-law suites are in Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, and I know what it takes to add one the right way. Let's find a home that fits your whole family.
Ready to start your search? Book a free buyer consultation, explore Pembroke Pines, or visit Buy With Natiesha.
Related reading:
- Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor
- Income Properties Are Trending, But Is Landlord Life for You?
This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals about your individual needs.
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