For a lot of people, buying a home just doesn’t seem to add up right now. You might be feeling that too. You look at what it costs to buy, then you look at what you’re paying for childcare, and suddenly it feels like you have to pick one or the other.

But some families are making it work by trying something a little different. They’re teaming up and buying a multi generational home together.

One Reason This Is Becoming More Common

It’s no secret that affordability has been tough the past few years. And if you have young kids, there’s another layer that can make it feel even heavier, and that’s childcare.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, childcare is supposed to take up no more than 7% of your monthly income. But in real life, the average married couple is spending closer to 10% instead.

When you add that on top of what it costs to buy a home, it’s easy to see how quickly things can start to feel tight. That’s why more families are rethinking how they handle both.

The Solution More People Are Turning To: Multi-Generational Living

One option more and more families are considering is multi generational living. That’s when parents, grandparents, or other relatives buy a home together and live under one roof. And it’s not just about convenience anymore, it’s becoming a real strategy people are leaning on.

You can see it in the data. According to the National Association of Realtors, almost 1 in 7 homebuyers, about 14%, bought a multi generational home in 2025.

For the first time, childcare is emerging as a major reason people chose this option, as NAR explains.

““This year’s report features two new primary reasons for purchasing a multi-generational home: grandchildren living in the home (12%) and to help reduce the cost of childcare (6%).”
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— NAR

Why It Works

Buying a multi generational home can help tackle two big challenges at once.

First, it spreads out the financial responsibility. When you combine incomes, you may be able to afford a home that would have felt out of reach on your own.
Second, it can help solve the childcare puzzle. If grandparents or other relatives are living in the home, they may be able to help with day to day care, which can greatly reduce or even eliminate daycare costs.

And for many people, that combination is what finally makes moving possible.

If childcare and housing costs together are making buying feel out of reach, consider creative options like purchasing a home with family or other loved ones.