Multigenerational Living: Building Stronger Families Under One Roof


Multigenerational living is a growing trend among families in Calgary and across Canada. With rising housing costs, changing family dynamics, and the desire to stay connected, more families are embracing the concept of multiple generations living under one roof. Whether it's grandparents moving in with their children and grandchildren or young adults staying home longer to save for their future, this lifestyle offers numerous benefits and unique challenges.


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The Benefits of Multigenerational Living


Financial Savings
Sharing a home means sharing expenses. Multigenerational households can pool resources to cover mortgage payments, utility bills, and daily living costs. This approach often makes homeownership more affordable for everyone involved.

Emotional and Practical Support
Living together allows families to provide emotional support and practical help. Grandparents can assist with childcare, young adults can help care for aging relatives, and everyone benefits from the sense of security and connection that comes with family nearby.

Strengthened Family Bonds
Sharing a home fosters deeper relationships among family members. Regular interaction helps bridge generational gaps and creates opportunities for traditions, shared experiences, and lasting memories.

Cultural and Global Perspective on Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational living has long been a cornerstone of family dynamics in many cultures worldwide. In countries like India, Italy, and China, this arrangement is deeply ingrained, reflecting enduring values of care, respect, and shared responsibility within families. These cultures embrace the idea of multiple generations living under one roof, pooling resources, and supporting one another through life’s stages.

In Canada, the concept is gaining renewed interest as families rediscover the benefits of multigenerational living in a modern context. For immigrant families, this lifestyle often represents a way to preserve cultural traditions and foster a sense of belonging. It allows younger generations to connect with their heritage through shared stories, language, and customs, while older generations find comfort in familiar cultural practices.

Calgary, with its vibrant multicultural communities, is particularly well-suited for multigenerational living. Families can blend traditional values with the conveniences of modern Canadian life, creating homes that honor their roots while embracing contemporary amenities. This setup fosters intergenerational learning, enriches cultural understanding, and strengthens familial bonds—offering an enriched way of life that resonates deeply with global traditions and the inclusive spirit of Canada.

Challenges and Solutions in Multigenerational Living


Privacy Concerns
Balancing personal space with shared living arrangements is key. Designating separate areas for each family unit or creating self-contained secondary suites can help maintain privacy while encouraging togetherness.

Conflict Resolution
Differences in lifestyles, schedules, or opinions are natural in a multigenerational home. Clear communication, regular family meetings, and agreed-upon boundaries can help resolve potential conflicts.

Mental Health Benefits of Multigenerational Living: A Real Estate Perspective 

Multigenerational living doesn’t just benefit families—it also aligns perfectly with the evolving trends in Calgary's real estate market. Homes designed or adapted for multigenerational families are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer built-in opportunities for enhanced mental well-being alongside practical solutions to modern housing needs.

For seniors, multigenerational homes provide the comfort of aging in place surrounded by loved ones. This arrangement eliminates the emotional strain of moving to unfamiliar environments, such as assisted living facilities, and offers a sense of security. From a real estate perspective, this trend drives demand for homes with main-floor suites or secondary units, designed with accessibility in mind.

Young children also reap emotional and developmental benefits in multigenerational households. Having grandparents and other family members nearby fosters a sense of stability and continuity, which is reflected in the increasing interest in homes with shared family spaces, larger yards, or recreational areas to accommodate the needs of multiple generations.

For adults, the financial and emotional support provided by multigenerational living is invaluable. These arrangements often reduce housing expenses while improving work-life balance. For instance, parents juggling careers and child-rearing can rely on grandparents for childcare, freeing up time and reducing stress. Real estate buyers often look for properties with separate entrances, dual kitchens, or flexible floor plans to support this lifestyle, adding significant value to such homes.

From a broader perspective, multigenerational homes foster a collective sense of purpose and stronger family ties, which ultimately enhances emotional well-being for all residents. Real estate professionals in Calgary recognize this growing trend and increasingly focus on properties that cater to this market, such as homes with secondary suites, flexible layouts, or ample space for communal and private living.

As Calgary continues to embrace cultural diversity and prioritize community-centric values, multigenerational homes represent an opportunity to combine emotional and financial benefits. Whether buying or selling, understanding the mental health advantages of multigenerational living provides a compelling perspective on why these homes are more than just a trend—they’re a cornerstone of family-focused real estate solutions.

Tips for Making Multigenerational Living Work


Plan Ahead
Before transitioning to multigenerational living, have open discussions about expectations, finances, and household responsibilities. Clear agreements will help prevent misunderstandings later.

Design for Functionality
Consider renovations or home designs that support your family’s needs. Open-concept spaces, additional bedrooms, or a legal secondary suite can make the arrangement more comfortable for everyone.

The Role of Secondary Suites in Multigenerational Living


Secondary suites are a practical solution for families embracing multigenerational living. These self-contained units offer privacy and independence for each family member while keeping everyone under one roof.

Privacy and Independence
With private entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms, secondary suites allow family members to maintain their routines and personal space while staying connected to the larger household.

Financial Benefits
Secondary suites can generate rental income or provide affordable housing for family members, reducing the financial strain on everyone involved.

Flexibility for Changing Family Dynamics
Whether it’s for elderly parents, young adults, or caregivers, secondary suites adapt to the changing needs of your family over time.

The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)
Families considering renovations to create a secondary suite can benefit from the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC).

Key Highlights:

  • Eligibility: Claim expenses for renovations that create a self-contained unit for seniors or adults eligible for the Disability Tax Credit living with a relative.
  • Claim Amount: Up to $50,000 in qualifying expenses.
  • Tax Credit Value: A 15% refundable tax credit, up to $7,500 per claim.

Eligible renovations include installing separate entrances, creating accessible features, or adding kitchens and bathrooms to accommodate multigenerational living.

Legal Secondary Suites in Calgary

Calgary has embraced secondary suites as a solution to rising housing demands and multigenerational living needs. The city encourages homeowners to legalize and register secondary suites to ensure they meet safety and building standards. By doing so, homeowners can increase the value of their property, ensure compliance with municipal regulations, and provide safe and secure housing options for family members or tenants.

The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) 


Creating a legal secondary suite has never been more accessible, thanks to the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC).

Key Highlights:

Eligibility: Claim renovation expenses to create a secondary suite for seniors or adults eligible for the Disability Tax Credit living with qualifying relatives.
Claim Amount: Families can claim up to $50,000 in qualifying renovation costs.
Tax Credit Value: Receive a refundable tax credit of 15% on expenses, amounting to a maximum of $7,500 per claim.

Qualifying Renovations Include:

  • Adding a separate entrance
  • Installing a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom for the suite
  • Enhancing accessibility features like ramps or stairlifts

For more information on eligibility and guidelines, visit Government of Canada.

Community Advantages of Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational homes contribute positively to the broader community in numerous ways. By consolidating households, these arrangements help alleviate the strain on housing inventory in competitive markets, making more rental and purchase options available for other families. Additionally, having multiple generations under one roof often leads to increased neighborhood engagement, as family members of different ages participate in local events, schools, and community initiatives. This dynamic fosters stronger bonds within neighborhoods, enriching the social fabric and creating a more inclusive and vibrant community atmosphere.

Why Multigenerational Living Makes Sense


Multigenerational living provides emotional, practical, and financial advantages, making it an attractive option for many families. By creating a supportive and adaptable living environment, families can grow stronger together while meeting the challenges of modern life.

Start Your Multigenerational Living Journey Today


Ready to find a home that accommodates your multigenerational family? The Real Estate Partners with Real Broker are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to explore properties with secondary suites or to learn more about creating the perfect home for your family.

Posted by Cody Tritter on
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