Statistics show that multigenerational households increased by 22 % between 2016 and 2021, and experts say the trend is likely to continue.

To cope with the financial pressure, older generations are adapting their properties. Some grandparents are renovating existing houses to create space for adult grandchildren, while others are buying modular homes that can be placed on their children’s land.

The demand for extra space has also boosted the popularity of secondary dwellings such as granny flats. Industry leaders are now urging governments to simplify planning regulations so these small homes can be built more easily across the country.

These shifts illustrate how housing affordability directly influences family living arrangements, and they highlight the need for policy changes that address the rising cost of housing.