It’s not unusual for adults to live with their parents to save a deposit. But for some families, living together is a long-term commitment.
Around one in five households is now multigenerational, and for those living in a three-generation household, there are wonderful moments, but compromises too.
The number of three-generation households rose by 22% between 2016 and 2021, from 275,000 to 335,000 people, ABS data shows.
But four generations under one roof? That’s rare. Yet it’s a soon-to-be reality for Sydney-based Aleks and Paul.
Working as a team
The decision to live together was initially finance-driven. Aleks and Paul had been saving a deposit and watching the market.
“We could afford a two bedroom apartment which we knew wasn’t going to work forever,” Aleks told realestate.com.au.
The family renovated a home to accommodate family living, and will soon welcome a fourth generation under the same roof. Picture: Supplied
So, they looked at an alternative: renovating and extending a family asset on Sydney’s Lower North Shore to accommodate Aleks, her husband Paul, Aleks’s mother Diana, grandmother Javorka, Pluto the dog, and the baby that’s on the way.
Aleks says that covering the cost of a construction loan on a home made more financial sense than buying an apartment. Plus, it would provide emotional security too.
“My parents are divorced, my mum and my grandma were living alone and we were all on opposite sides of Sydney.”
“Being able to be there for one another was critical for us,” she said, adding the family home had “good bones” and it was paid off.
Aleks, Paul and grandmother Javorka live together in a renovated Sydney home designed for multigenerational living. Picture: Supplied
“Paul and I were able to take our significant amount set aside for our deposit, which we were able to re-deploy for a construction loan.”
Despite the economic sense, the decision wasn’t made lightly. Not every newly-wedded husband wants to move in with his in-laws, “It was a question of pros and cons and there were a lot of pros.”
Planning a multigenerational property
The existing residence has three bedrooms and a study, but once extended it will have five bedrooms (two with ensuites), a study, dining room, two living rooms and a kitchen.
“We very intentionally kept one kitchen - we wanted everyone to congregate for meals,” Aleks said.
Flexible homes are in high demand. This recently sold property at 28 Gregory Street, Wyoming on the NSW Central Coast has a downstairs retreat that suits multigenerational households. Picture: realestate.com.au
But they also had to design with the future in mind. They need to ensure good accessibility for grandma. They have also planned for areas where kids can play without disturbing the older residents.
Prior to settling on this living arrangement, the family had many conversations about cleanliness, sharing chores, meals and lifestyle preferences. A year in, it’s going well.
“We have coffee together in the morning, everyone does their own thing during the day. Paul and my grandmother cook together - she is his sous chef!”
This Bundoora home was snapped up recently, offering two full kitchens and multiple living zones. Picture: realestate.com.au
Grandma Javorka says one of the many benefits is sharing life together and having a bit of help when she needs it. “The little moments are what makes it good.”
One morning over breakfast, Paul and Aleks told the family they were having a baby.
“It was so exciting,” Javorka said.
Know your exit strategy from the start
Aleks’s mum contributed the asset while Aleks and Paul cover all construction and on-going costs. The intention is to live together long term, but life inevitably evolves.
“We might need a flatter block and a bigger yard; we might want to sell and move to the country.”
Sydney's lower north shore has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, making it difficult for first-home buyers to get in. Picture: Getty
Aleks has advice for anyone considering following her path. “Be super clear upfront about exit arrangements.”
“We worked out what the rough calculations for a buy-out would be,” she said, adding that it mightn’t happen, but it was essential to have the conversation.
Managing conflict
For intergenerational living to work, Aleks says the key is to distinguish between “hard boundaries” and simply understanding the quirks of your co-habitants. Her grandmother likes a clean kitchen each night. They keep common areas tidy and stay quiet when someone is working.
But living in the home, while building more rooms, with a baby arriving soon does add to the challenge. Council and development approval processes delayed the works, too.
“We’re going through growing pains because the renovation has stolen some of our spaces.”
Aleks’s mum Diana adds, “Our current issue is that the renovation has left us with one TV. I think Paul and Aleks are excited to watch their own shows.”
Rewards make it worthwhile
As a first-time mum, Aleks says she will be grateful to have her village under the same roof.
“Paul and I are so lucky that we have the privilege of having grandmas (including Paul’s mum) and my grandmother around our kids.”
This near-new Buderim home at 45 Crosby Hill Road includes a self-contained studio complete with its own kitchenette, ensuite, and air-conditioning.
There is a financial advantage too. Living as an intergenerational family means they are not facing significant daycare or aged care costs.
“Everyone can make their own judgement about what works for them but for our family, the benefits win.”
Aleks’s mum Diana adds: “I love that there is always someone around so there is this sense of community and security.”
“There are so many day to day memories that we make because we live together - as opposed to only seeing each other for holidays or other special occasions. My advice is: focus on the long-term benefit and don’t sweat the small stuff,” Diana said.
This article was originally published on 19 Dec 2025 at 2:00pm but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
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