When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Do This Instead

For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you too. You look at the cost of buying. Then you look at the cost of childcare. And it starts to feel like you have to choose one or the other.
But some families are finding a way to make both work by doing something a little different: teaming up to purchase a multi-generational home.
One Reason This Is Becoming More CommonIt’s no secret that affordability has been a challenge in recent years. But for families with young kids, there’s an added layer that can make it feel even harder: childcare.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, childcare should take up no more than 7% of your monthly income. But in reality, the average married couple spends closer to 10% (see map below):

And for the first time, childcare is showing up as a key reason why they 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%).”
Why It WorksBuying a multi-generational home solves two big challenges at the same time.

• First, it shares the financial responsibility. If you pool multiple incomes together, you may be able to afford a home you couldn't have on your own.
• Second, it can also solve the childcare puzzle. When grandparents or other relatives live in the home, they may be able to help with daily care – which can significantly reduce or even eliminate daycare costs.

And for many people, that combination is what finally makes their move possible.
If the costs of childcare and housing together have made buying feel out of reach right now, it may be worth exploring creative options like buying a home with your loved ones.
Bottom LineIf you want more information on multi-generational homes, let’s have a quick conversation about what’s available in our area.
Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.