Flexible Family Living with Shared Bills and Shared Spaces – The Benefits of Multigenerational Living

COMBATTING loneliness, help with childcare or simply sharing the cost of living are just some of the reasons why multiple generations are living together under one roof.

Finding a property that has enough space for grandparents, their grown up children and their young children may seem like a big ask, but around 30 minutes from Manchester city centre Elan Homes has properties perfectly suited to intergenerational living.

Handforth Court in Handforth, Cheshire, features three and four-bedroom townhouses that offer a flexible solution to the dynamics of modern family life – and Elan will even pay the stamp duty.

Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “There are lots of reasons why multiple generations of a family might want or need to live together, including emotional, financial or practical considerations.

“At Elan we plan our developments carefully to take into account the housing needs of a range of purchasers. Some of our larger properties, particularly those set out over three floors, are well-suited to multigenerational families as they offer flexible accommodation that can be adapted to different family structures.

“In some cases living with members of their wider family is a solution to loneliness or means that they have the support of relatives on a daily basis. Grandparents, parents and children can all benefit from sharing one home and spending real quality time together.”

Among the homes well-suited to multigenerational living is the three-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom Wrenford. This ready to move into home is available from £359,995. It includes upgraded kitchen with integrated dishwasher and other top brand name appliances, plus carpets and vinyl flooring throughout, plus light fittings, curtains, blind and turfed rear garden.

“Bringing generations together means they’re able to share responsibilities from cooking and cleaning to childcare and bills,” Marie added.

“The advantage of buying a brand new Elan home is that other than where the kitchen and bathrooms are located there are no set rules to how the space can be used. The three-storey Wrenford at Handforth Court is a prime example.”

Marie explained: “The combined kitchen and breakfast room is perfect for having a chat over a morning coffee or sharing stories of the day while you tuck into your evening meal.  The lounge could perhaps be an adults only room, or could be used by the two younger generations. Of course it doesn’t mean there’s no joining other family members to watch a favourite TV show together or bond over a shared hobby.”

On the first floor of the Wrenford there are two bedrooms, including master with en-suite, plus the family bathroom. Grandparents could occupy the master bedroom and use the other bedroom on this level as a sitting room. Alternatively grown up children could have the other bedroom on this floor and use the family bathroom as their own. This could then give the youngest generation free reign of the top floor where there are two more rooms and a shower room.

“As your family’s needs change over time you can adapt how you use the space in your home. What starts out as a children’s playroom might become a study, gym or hobby room,” Marie added.

Located on Wilmslow Road, Handforth Court is just 14 miles from Manchester, with strong commuter links to the city centre. The area is home to some well-regarded schools, making it a good choice for busy professionals with families.

To find out how the homes could suit the dynamics of your family, visit the development, open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. For more information see https://www.elan-homes.co.uk/developments/handforth-court.