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As the cost of living continues to climb, a growing number of Australian families are turning to multi-generational living – two or more generations residing under one roof.Approximately one in three families currently live in this arrangement, and experts predict this figure will increase as economic pressures mount. time.news spoke with three families navigating this lifestyle, revealing the challenges and unexpected benefits of shared living.
Financial Pressures Drive a Return to traditional Lifestyles
For Brooke Shirley, a bank manager on the Sunshine Coast, moving her family of six into her parents’ home was initially intended as a temporary solution. “The idea was to do maybe six months to a year there and then find a property,” she explained. However, two years later, the Shirleys remain, grappling with a housing market that makes self-reliant living increasingly unattainable. She acknowledges the adjustments required, like navigating shared spaces and differing parenting styles, but emphasizes the benefits. “Its been amazing, actually.I’m able to work, my husband’s able to work, and we’ve got the support of my parents with the kids – school pick-ups and preparing afternoon tea for the children. “It does work, we’ve made it work,” she affirmed.
Beyond finances: Emotional Wellbeing and Support
Danish Pokhrel, a disability support worker in Wollongong, has experienced multi-generational living for most of his life, drawing on traditions from his Nepalese heritage. “Back in Nepal we would be living together with our grandparents, like two to three generations would live in the same house,” he shared. He believes this arrangement offers more than just financial relief, citing financial stability, emotional wellbeing, and physical support as key benefits.
Living with his wife,20-month-old daughter,and his parents,Danish highlights the crucial role his parents play in childcare,allowing both he and his wife to work full-time,often exceeding 50 hours per week. The family meticulously tracks shared expenses using a dedicated notebook. “Let’s say I went to the shopping center today and I would buy cauliflower,I will go home and then wriet it down in our expenses books,” he explained. “At the end of the week,we will calculate how much [the] expenses were and who paid how much [and] distribute the expenses equally between all of us.” Household chores are also tackled collectively, roughly every two weeks. Danish actively shares his positive experience with friends considering similar arrangements, hoping to showcase choice, community-focused lifestyles.
For Bianca Alexander, a disability pensioner on the Gold Coast, multi-generational living began out of necessity nearly 20 years ago, following a marriage breakdown and personal health crisis. “I just didn’t really have anywhere else to go after I got out of hospital,” she recalled. However, the arrangement with her mother, Pam, has evolved into a deeply cherished bond.
The pair have rented their home in the Yugambeh language region for 15 years, fostering a close and supportive relationship. “We tend to not just tolerate each othre, we enjoy each other’s company,” Bianca said. “we always make each other laugh and we send each other things on Instagram,even though we sit on the couch together.” they split rent, utilities, and water bills equally, while grocery shopping is done independently. Bianca handles the vacuuming, while her mother prefers laundry and gardening.
despite acknowledging the appeal of independent living, Bianca recognizes the financial realities of the current housing market.She also values the opportunity to care for her 73-year-old mother as she ages. “I know some people prefer their own space, but I know that traditionally this is how families … used to do it. It’s great.”
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