Living Under One Roof

Multigenerational living arrangements are gathering increasing attention in the media. Families are opting, or sometimes compelled, to live communally under one roof, encompassing grandparents, parents, and adult children.

Historically, Australian households adhered to the nuclear family model, characterised by independent living units of parents and children. Children typically left home upon commencing work and would establish their own households upon marriage. However, diverse communities, particularly from Asia and the Middle East, have long practiced the 'living under one roof' concept. With the influx of immigrants from these regions into Australia, this trend is now influencing housing norms here.

Economic factors also drive multigenerational living. Soaring housing costs coupled with stagnant wages pose significant obstacles for young adults entering the housing market. Concurrently, an aging population and increased life expectancy present challenges in elder care. Media coverage often highlights the dilemma facing families with aging parents requiring various levels of care, questioning the adequacy of in-home care.

Benefits and Challenges

The Upsides

1. Financial Saving: Sharing bills and expenses lightens the economic burden, freeing up resources for daily living.

2. Family Bonds: Co-residence strengthens familial ties, fostering emotional support networks and reducing social isolation.

3. Elder Care: Proximity facilitates the care of elderly parents, enhancing their quality of life.

4. Cultural Preservation: Embracing multigenerational living sustains traditions, preserves heritage, and imparts diverse perspectives to the younger generation.
   

The Downsides

1. Personal Space: Balancing privacy with communal living necessitates communication and negotiation.

2. Clash of Styles: Generational differences in lifestyle preferences may lead to conflicts and household tension.

3. Allocation of Resources: Disputes over chores, space, and resources may arise, requiring equitable distribution discussions.

4. Housing Adaptations: Finding suitable homes to accommodate varying needs poses challenges due to limited housing options.
   

Looking Forward:

While multigenerational living may alleviate some housing issues, significant hurdles remain to make a substantial impact.

Key challenges include

·       societal acceptance

·       zoning regulations

·       land availability for alternative housing options like granny flats, larger dwellings

·       architectural designs tailored for multigenerational living

·       cost and availability of builders and tradespersons.

Do you see multigenerational living as a potential component of the housing market solution in Australia? Add your comments below.