There is a quiet revolution happening behind the front doors of Canadian homes. It is the single fastest growing household type in the country, and it is fundamentally changing the definition of a "family home." According to new data from Statistics Canada, a staggering 9.5 million Canadians now live in either multigenerational or intergenerational households.

That figure includes 7.1 million people living with their adult children and 2.4 million living with three or more generations under one roof. This is not a niche market. It is a massive, powerful force in real estate, driven by a blend of savvy economics and a deep desire for family connection.

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In major urban centers, this trend is even more pronounced. In the Abbotsford-Mission area, one in four people live this way. In Toronto, the number is over one in ten. The reasons why are both practical and personal. With housing affordability challenges across the country, families are discovering the immense financial power of pooling their resources. Combining incomes can mean the difference between a small condo and a spacious detached home with a yard.

Furthermore, the savings on elder care and childcare are substantial. With the average cost for a room in a retirement residence often exceeding $4,000 per month, sharing a home offers a financially sustainable and emotionally supportive alternative. It is a return to a village mentality, where family members support each other through every stage of life. This shift has created a new set of rules for buying and selling a home.

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For Buyers: The New Checklist for a Forever Home

If you are shopping for a home to accommodate your extended family, your needs are unique. You require a space that balances community with privacy. Here is what you should be looking for.

• The Essential Secondary Suite. A property with a legal secondary suite, an in-law apartment, or a laneway house is the top prize. The data shows that while multigenerational households are less likely to struggle with housing affordability, they are five times more likely to experience crowding. A separate, self-contained space solves this problem, giving family members the independence they need.
• Multiple Primary Bedrooms. A home with two large bedrooms, each with its own private, full bathroom, is a game changer. This allows two distinct family units, such as parents and a married child with their spouse, to have their own sanctuary within the home. Look for layouts that place these suites on different floors for maximum privacy.
• A Flexible and Adaptable Floor Plan. The perfect multigenerational home can evolve. Look for properties with bonus rooms, main floor dens, or finished basements with separate entrances. A room that serves as a home office today might need to become a main floor bedroom tomorrow. Versatility is key.

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For Sellers: How to Command a Premium in This Market

If your home has features that cater to this demographic, you are in an excellent position. You are not just selling a house; you are selling a solution to one of the biggest challenges families face today. Here is how to maximize your return.

• Market the Multigenerational Lifestyle. Your listing description needs to speak directly to these buyers. Do not just list the number of bedrooms. Use clear, powerful language like, "The ideal home for multigenerational living, featuring a full in-law suite with a private entrance." Make it the headline, not a footnote.
• Stage for Multiple Generations. Showcase the home's flexibility. If you have a finished basement, stage it as a complete apartment, not just a recreation room. If you have a large main floor office with an adjacent bathroom, stage it as a bedroom to help buyers visualize its potential for an elderly parent.
• Highlight Future Potential. Even if your home does not have a suite now, its potential is a major selling point. If your property is zoned for a garden or laneway suite, make that a prominent feature in your marketing. Proving that your home is a future proof investment can significantly increase its value.

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The landscape of Canadian living has changed for good. The demand for homes that can comfortably and functionally house multiple generations will only continue to grow. Whether you are searching for the perfect property to bring your family together or you are ready to sell a home that fits this new ideal, we have the expertise to guide you.

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Source: Statistics Canada