In the UK, a growing number of families are choosing multigenerational living. This simply means that members of more than one generation live at the same property. 

This could involve older parents moving in with their children so that they have support as they age, or it could mean adult children moving back in with parents while they save up the money to buy their own homes. 

In some cases, it can be a combination of all of these generations living under one roof. 

Research carried out by Legal & General in 2020 found that around half of those surveyed felt that an increase in multigenerational living would be a positive development. 

Among the main benefits cited by those who responded to the survey were financial support, help with childcare and household chores, better family communication and a closer intergenerational bond. 

Additional research also revealed that close to half of British families now have multigenerational households – but one of the challenges with this living arrangement is how to ensure everyone has their own space, as well as opportunities to come together regularly.

How can you adapt your home for multigenerational living?

The answer to this question will largely depend on the type of property you live in currently. For some, creating an additional living space by converting a garage, for instance, will be the most appropriate option.

For those considering moving older parents or parents-in-law into their home, ensuring that it is accessible is also a key consideration. 

This ideally means having a living space for older generations on the ground floor, so you don’t have to worry about stairs or making modifications like adding a stairlift to a property. 

As a result, garden annexes in Slough, or wherever you live, are a brilliant option provided you have enough outdoor space to accommodate them. 

With a garden annexe, your loved ones not only get their own private space, but also one that is fully accessible as these kinds of buildings are on a single level by their nature. 

Why are garden annexes a good option for multigenerational living?

One of the main benefits is that they provide a degree of separation, ensuring everyone has their own private space when they need it. 

At the same time, the garden annexe’s proximity to the main home means that help is on hand at any time of day and also that it is easy for the person or people living in the garden annexe to enjoy some company when they want it. 

The versatility of garden annexes also makes them popular. These buildings are designed as self-contained homes with a separate bedroom, bathroom and living area containing a kitchen. 

Another reason for their popularity is that installing one won’t disrupt the rest of the family home, unlike building works to convert say, a garage, into a suitable living space. 

Garden annexes built with steel frames can be manufactured off site and then installed at your property when they are ready. This makes the whole construction process quick and efficient, minimising disruption and ensuring your annexe is ready to use as quickly as possible. 

This also enables them to be customised to suit your needs. Our design team can help you create an annexe with the most appropriate configuration for your family. 

Who can live in a garden annexe?

A garden annexe can provide suitable living space for any members of your family. While their single-floor layout and design makes them ideal for those with mobility issues, or those who may develop mobility issues, there is nothing to stop younger members of your family living in them.

In fact, the privacy can make them an excellent choice if you have an adult child who still live at home and needs their own space for entertaining friends but who still wants to be close to the main family home. 

Research from the Netherlands and Denmark, where multigenerational living is relatively common, indicates that this type of household reduces feelings of loneliness by up to 45 per cent. 

This can be beneficial for those from any generation, as we all know that feelings of loneliness are not restricted to the older generation. Ultimately, living in a multigenerational household helps you to feel less isolated and better supported, regardless of your age or stage of life. 

One point worth noting is that a garden annexe cannot have a separate address to your main property, so the likes of post will still need to be delivered to the family home and distributed accordingly.