2 min read
That spare bedroom on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette. The bonus room you've been using for storage. The separate entrance you've always considered a nice extra.
To some homeowners, these are simply features that provide more flexibility. To certain buyers, they may be especially appealing.
One reason is the growing number of households choosing to live with multiple generations under one roof.
Multi-Generational Living Is Becoming More Common
Multi-generational households are those in which three or more generations live together. According to Realtor.com, the number of these households increased from approximately 3.2 million in 2014 to nearly 4 million in 2024.
There are many reasons families may consider this arrangement, including changing household needs, caregiving responsibilities, shared expenses, or simply a preference for living closer together. As a result, some buyers may be looking for homes that offer more than a traditional bedroom-and-bathroom layout.
Features such as an additional living area, first-floor bedroom, separate entrance, or kitchenette can provide flexibility for households with different needs.
While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area (see map below):
Source: USA Facts, How Common are Multigenerational Households, June 2026 (Data is based on information published by third-party sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified by First Federal Bank)
Certain Home Features May Stand Out
According to Realtor.com, multi-generational homes had a median asking price of approximately $709,000 in 2025, compared with about $429,900 for standard homes.
Size is one factor that can contribute to that difference. However, Realtor.com also reported a higher median asking price per square foot for multi-generational homes—approximately $262 compared with $215 for standard homes.
That doesn't mean every home with these features will command a higher price. Real estate values depend on many factors, including location, condition, size, market conditions, and buyer demand.
Still, the data provides an interesting perspective for homeowners and sellers.
Source: Realtor. com, Nearly 4 Million American Homes Now House Multiple Generations, New Realtor.com® Report Finds, June 2026 (Data is based on information published by third-party sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified by First Federal Bank)
What This Could Mean for Sellers
If you're thinking about selling, take a closer look at the features that make your home different.
That extra room you've been using for storage may have another potential use. A finished basement may provide flexibility that isn't immediately obvious from the listing photos. A separate entrance could be an important consideration for some households.
None of these features guarantees a higher sales price or a faster sale. But understanding how buyers may view the spaces in your home can be useful when discussing your property's positioning with your real estate professional.
The Bottom Line
Many buyers have different household structures and housing needs. Some may be looking for flexible spaces that can accommodate extended family members, caregivers, guests, home offices, or other living arrangements.
If your home offers features that can accommodate different living arrangements, it's worth discussing those features with your real estate agent when you're evaluating your options.
And if you're considering buying or selling, a First Federal Bank Loan Officer can help you understand the financing considerations associated with your next move.