Buyers are Split on Multigenerational Homes
When it comes to the desire for a home designed to house the buyer as well as a younger generation and an older generation, home buyers are split down the middle.
According to What Home Buyers Want, 2021 Edition, 39% would prefer such a home, but 39% would be against it. The remaining 23% are not sure how they feel about a home designed for three generations.
One of the factors most likely to influence a buyer’s preference for a multigenerational home is race/ethnicity:
- Among Hispanic buyers, for example, 53% are in favor of buying such a home, compared to 27% who would oppose it.
- Among African-American and Asian buyers, 50% and 46%, respectively, would prefer a multigenerational home, significantly higher shares than the 30% and 29% who would be against the idea, respectively.
- Among Caucasian buyers, only 35% of buyers would prefer a home designed for multiple generations, compared to a larger 42% who would not prefer that option.
Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president of survey research, provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing blog post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics | Multifamily
May 08, 2025
Multifamily Developer Confidence Falls in First QuarterConfidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the first quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 82, down one point year-over-year.
Sustainability and Green Building | Advocacy
May 07, 2025
Energy Star Transition and Its Effect on NAHB MembersSeveral recent media reports suggest that the Energy Star program, a proven private-public partnership administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is going through a possible transition period that could lead to its elimination.
Latest Economic News
Economics
May 06, 2025
Mortgage Activity Levels Off in April as Rates IncreaseMortgage loan applications saw little change in April, as refinancing activity decreased. The Market Composite Index, which measures mortgage loan application volume based on the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly survey, experienced a 0.4% month-over month increase on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis. However, year-over-year, the index is up 29.3% compared to April 2024.
Economics
May 06, 2025
Prices for New Homes Continue to Drop as Existing RisesThe median price for a new single-family home sold in the first quarter of 2025 was $416,900, a mere $14,600 above the existing home sale price of $402,300, according to U.S. Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors data (not seasonally adjusted – NSA).
Economics
May 05, 2025
Student Housing Construction Investment Rises in the First Quarter of 2025Private fixed investment in student dormitories increased by 2.3% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $4.04 billion. This gain followed a 1.0% increase in the previous quarter. However, private fixed investment in dorms was 2% lower than a year ago, as elevated interest rates place a damper on student housing construction.