When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Are Rethinking the Plan

For many people today, buying a home can feel like it’s just not adding up. You look at home prices, then factor in everyday expenses—especially childcare—and suddenly it feels like you have to choose one over the other.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But some families are finding a way to make both work by thinking outside the box: they’re buying homes together.

Why This Trend Is Growing

Affordability has been a challenge for years, but for families with young children, childcare costs add another layer of pressure.

The Department of Health and Human Services suggests childcare should take up no more than 7% of a household’s income. In reality, many families are spending closer to 10% or more. When you combine that with rising home prices, it’s easy to see why things can feel overwhelming.

Because of this, more people are starting to rethink the traditional path to homeownership.

A Practical Solution: Multi-Generational Living

One strategy gaining popularity is multi-generational living—where parents, grandparents, or extended family members purchase and live in a home together.

This isn’t just about convenience anymore. It’s becoming a smart financial move.

In fact, data from the National Association of Realtors shows that nearly 1 in 7 homebuyers purchased a multi-generational home in 2025. And for the first time, childcare has become a key reason behind that decision.

Multi-generational living helps solve two major challenges at once:

Shared CostsCombining incomes can make homeownership more attainable, opening the door to properties that may have been out of reach individually.

Built-In Childcare SupportHaving family members in the home can help with day-to-day childcare, potentially reducing—or even eliminating—daycare expenses.

For many families, this combination is what finally makes buying a home possible.

If the cost of housing and childcare has been holding you back, it might be worth exploring alternative options like multi-generational living. Connecting with a local real estate professional can help you understand what’s available and whether this approach could work for you.