ER4 Meeting the housing needs of multi-generational households (July 2015)

This report sets out the objectives, findings and recommendations from a BRANZ-funded research project on multi-generational households (MGHs), defined as households where more than one generation of related adults live together.

The main findings were:

• there is no typical MGH
• the experiences of MGH living were generally positive
• participants expressed a range of reasons or drivers for their MGH living
• the most common issues mentioned were privacy, interference (particularly regarding child rearing practices), noise and receiving visitors and providing hospitality
• the most commonly cited advantages of MGH living were financial benefits, care of the elderly and young children, strengthening family bonds across generations, companionship and practical help with everyday activities and chores
• disadvantages included a lack of privacy, overcrowding, a lack of control and autonomy and the disruption experienced when family and overseas visitors constantly came and went.