"Thriving multigenerational homes aren’t born from convenience alone, but from a conscious effort to create a new, inclusive way of living together"
- Prabash Edirisingha - Northumbria University
Nearly half of households in Britain now include multiple generations, with many families adapting their homes to meet changing needs.
A nationwide survey of 2,000 people, commissioned by homelifts specialist Uplifts, found that 49% of British households have members from more than one generation living under the same roof. The figures indicate a growing preference for shared living arrangements that extend beyond temporary measures.
More than half of respondents in these households, 51%, have been living in this way for over ten years. A further 8% have never moved out of their childhood home.
While financial savings play an important role, cited by 39% of respondents, emotional and practical factors also drive the trend. More than half, 55%, said stronger family bonds are the main advantage, with 39% pointing to emotional support and 38% highlighting the creation of lasting memories.
One in five families, 20%, reported that their arrangement helps older relatives remain at home as they age, reflecting both demographic changes and a preference for keeping family members in familiar surroundings rather than care facilities.
Satisfaction levels are high, with 70% of those in multi-generational households reporting they are happy with the arrangement. Notably, 11% saw no disadvantages at all. However, 14% said their current homes were not ideally suited for several generations, underlining the need for careful planning and adaptation.
“My research into multi-generational households reveals they are now the fastest-growing household type in England and Wales,” explained Prabash Edirisingha, consumer researcher at Northumbria University. “This growth reflects a combination of financial necessity, cultural tradition, and a desire for closer family support networks. 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. The key to success lies in communication, mutual respect, and the willingness to adapt. Thriving multigenerational homes aren’t born from convenience alone, but from a conscious effort to create a new, inclusive way of living together.”
The survey also showed that 34% of these households have made home adaptations to suit their living arrangements. Among these, the most common were adding bathrooms and creating separate living areas, each reported by 32% of respondents. Ground-floor bedrooms were introduced by 28%, while 22% installed grab bars for safety. Accessibility upgrades such as stairlifts or homelifts were chosen by 15%.
Kate Sheehan, an occupational therapist specialising in housing adaptations, advised that forward planning is vital. “When families are planning for multi-generational living, they need to consider not just their current needs but potential future requirements. This could include installing wider doorways, level access showers, and good lighting. For families where reduced mobility may be a concern, vertical access solutions like homelifts can be a particularly valuable addition to anyone’s home.”
Additional useful adaptations include level-threshold entrances, hallway and bathroom handrails, adequate lighting throughout, and flexible spaces that can change with family needs. “The key is thinking about universal design principles that benefit everyone, regardless of age or ability,” Sheehan advised.
The study revealed that 54% of those in multi-generational households plan to maintain the arrangement for the long term. This shift has implications for housing policy, urban development, and the economy.
Multi-generational living, shaped by practical needs and evolving attitudes towards family life, is likely to continue. With rising housing costs and an ageing population, these arrangements offer a way to combine support, independence, and shared resources.
