Keeping Your Family Close to Home.

Multi Generational Households are on the Rise

In recent years as the housing crisis increased we also saw rates of multiple generations of families living together rise too - not surprising but what is new about this trend is how rates of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are climbing as well. More and more often people are opting to to keep their relatives close by as well as creating new spaces for their relatives to live in in the midst of sky rocketing home prices. In California between 2013-2023 the cost of buying a home has increased over 71%, a significant jump from the national average increasing by about 50% in the last ten years.

In response to the increasing challenges in availability and affordability Californians have embraced the solution of multigenerational housing. The combination of multigenerational households and the boom in ADU construction in California reflect a growing trend toward accommodating extended family living arrangements, driven by factors such as housing affordability, cultural preferences, and the desire to keep family members close. The number of ADUs permitted annually in California increased by over 15,000% between 2016 and 2022, totaling 83,865 ADUs. Notably, 19% of all housing units produced in California in 2022 were ADUs, up from 10% in 2020.

In 2020 many of us found ourselves isolated from family and friends and in response to that there is a strong desire to be near those we hold most dear. Proximity to family has health benefits as well, studies have shown that having a reliable support system, like family nearby, is linked to lower stress levels and improved mental health. There are also practical material advantages to multigenerational households/living near family such as shared childcare or eldercare, enhancing quality of life for all generations. Whether financially or emotionally driven the choice to invest in multigenerational housing has improved equality of life for millions of people, and ADUs are a great option to achieve this, being able to live with family but still have individual spaces. A common route we have noticed is people realizing that under utilized spaces such as garages can be converted into living spaces, creating affordable housing while capitalizing on existing structures.