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Do you think we'll see more multi-generational living in a different way than previously

9 replies

Echobelly · 09/09/2024 21:28

I know some cultures have always done multigenerational living, and that it's not that uncommon for older parents to move in with adult kids, but I wonder if we're going to see an increase in older parents having their child move back in with them to start a family? And that it's something that's going to move up the social scale as home ownership becomes harder and harder even for the kids of parents who own property.

I'm in London, so obviously it is especially acute here. I think about this because, although we're well off in the scheme of things, we'll still never find a 6-figure sum each that we'd need give our kids a deposit when they're adults at this rate. And while it's totally my kids' choice if they have kids or not (I'm currently very unbothered by that) I do want to let them know that if money is ever putting them off starting a family, we will help however we can.

I'm thinking the best I might be able to offer, as we have a decent sized house, is a child with partner to move in a start their family living with us for a few years. Obviously, this only works if only one kid wants to start a family at a time, though. But I can see this becoming more common - young parents either moving in with homeowning parents, or renting a place together with their own parents in order to afford starting a family.

OP posts:
OneFastDuck · 09/09/2024 21:33

Why would you need to give them a 6 figure sum? You could offer them a few years rent free whilst working, frugal living would give them a deposit for somewhere after a couple of years. I actually know a few sets of siblings who've bought flats together to get on the ladder.

People don't seem to want to start at the bottom of the ladder anymore. Sold my dads 5 bed in Greater London last year. Nearly all viewings and the eventual buyers were 1st timers. What happened to starting in a 1 bed flat?

Trainerstrainers · 09/09/2024 21:50

People don't seem to want to start at the bottom of the ladder anymore. Sold my dads 5 bed in Greater London last year. Nearly all viewings and the eventual buyers were 1st timers. What happened to starting in a 1 bed flat?

Because they are generally older & at different life stages with different needs. Plus why pay for a flat in inner London when you can buy a house in outer London & skip a step, save money.

Echobelly · 09/09/2024 22:01

We're not talking about buying them a palace. Bear in mind, the cheapest, tiniest outer London one-bedder (at full ownership - part ownership is not a good deal) is already about £250k and my kids are some way off finishing their education so it'll be much more by the time they might buy

Neither of my kids is likely to go for big money careers, nor would I tell them to just in order to own a place. But before* *this turns into a thread of people rushing to Zoopla to tell me they can convert a garage in Sidcup to a studio for £70k or whatever (which it inevitably will, this being Mumsnet 😄), I think the principle still stands - I think more people may move in with parents to start a family where property prices are high to the point that starting a family and paying a mortgage/rent is just impossible unless they move well away from big cities or their parents, which they may not want to do. Also I think more parents will be working longer and trying to top up pensions so may not have as much to spare to support kids or give them a deposit.

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Beesandhoney123 · 22/11/2024 07:20

I hope so, because my dc have big ambitions so I'm looking forward to my all expenses paid granny flat in a Miami beachhouse.

MavisPennies · 22/11/2024 07:25

Hmm, yeah maybe. If the parents have a big house and everyone gets on well. I can't imagine it being completely frictionless though. It's going to create a certain power dynamic which you'd have to watch out for. But how lovely to have babysitters on tap or grandchildren really near.

User37482 · 22/11/2024 07:28

Multigenerational living can be extremely hard on individuals (depending on personality). We had our gran live with us for a bit and it was a strain on the whole family.

NorthWestWoes · 22/11/2024 07:42

In my British family tree there’s plenty of multi generational living - both granny moving in once widowed or the kids not moving out when they have a family. It’s only 1950s to now that’s been different.

My next door neighbours are 3 generations. Our new build town houses lend themselves to this.

(I would hate it though!)

noobiedoobie · 22/11/2024 07:50

New housing is taking into account an ageing population eg wider accessible doorways, room for live in carers etc, so I guess there would also be more space for children to stay in the houses of the future. We don't build massive houses in the UK though.

Lentilweaver · 22/11/2024 07:56

Yes, we will. It will be terrible. Speaking as someone who comes from a culture with multi generational living. It's very hatd on women

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