In 2025, the growing demand for bi-generational homes reflects an ingenious response to the evolving needs of modern families. This strong comeback of the intergenerational model highlights a remarkable trend, underscoring the financial and tax advantages of these homes. They also foster an environment conducive to mutual support, stronger family bonds, and preserved privacy.
Maxime Thérien, our President at Harmonie Construction, shares:
“We are already seeing growing interest in the bi-generational home for 2025. They are transforming the way we live together, from one generation to the next. It is a wonderful development in the housing world! That is why we offer the Altera bi-generational series, to provide this option to our clients in our real estate development projects.”
A unique balance between privacy and family solidarity
In addition to playing an essential role in strengthening family bonds, bi-generational housing also ensures the preservation of each family member’s private space. Giving grandparents their own space creates a delicate balance between closeness and autonomy, fostering fulfilling family relationships.
In this unique family setting, the presence of grandparents becomes a major asset to the quality of shared moments. Closed doors are not synonymous with loneliness, but rather with preserved privacy, creating a delicate balance between shared living and respect for individual needs.
The bi-generational home thus becomes the stage for harmonious cooperation, where everyone contributes in their own way. Grandparents can offer their experience and time, while parents benefit from practical support that allows them to thrive professionally. And of course, the grandchildren are the biggest winners!
Bi-generational homes: synonymous with privacy and closeness
One of the distinctive features of bi-generational homes is the preservation of each unit’s privacy. With separate entrances, independent balconies, and private living spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, these homes offer closeness while countering potential isolation. Each generation benefits from a clearly defined space, creating a balance between shared living and individual privacy. We invite you to read our article on the importance of design available on our website. It offers valuable insights into how design can transform not only aesthetics, but also the functionality of new builds.
The main typologies
There are three main typologies of bi-generational homes that meet the diversity of family needs. Whether it is two separate residences on a single lot, two connected homes, or one home with two distinct units, the bi-generational home adapts to different configurations.
Indeed, some bi-generational home configurations use separate addresses. In this context, each unit maintains its financial autonomy by managing its own expenses such as electricity and cable. In addition, each has its own mailbox, further reinforcing the individuality of the two dwellings. This approach helps maintain the independence of each residential entity, offering a more tailored solution to the specific needs of each household.
Multiple savings and easy adaptation
Beyond the family aspect, bi-generational homes help achieve multiple savings. From mortgages to housing expenses, including avoiding the costs associated with living in a residence, these homes offer a range of savings. Sharing costly equipment—such as a pool, yard maintenance tools, snow removal equipment, and outdoor cooking gear—provides an additional financial advantage. And why not take the opportunity to create a shared, multifunctional laundry room?
An alternative to seniors’ needs in an aging society
The Altera bi-generational series that we created proves to be a solution that allows seniors to remain close to their family, eliminating the need to move to specialized facilities. This intergenerational proximity becomes an essential element in meeting the evolving needs of our aging society.
This option also offers significant benefits for caregivers, making them more accessible and reducing associated stress. Knowing that seniors are right next door makes care planning easier and provides greater peace of mind, promoting more restful sleep at night.
In addition, bi-generational homes make it possible to plan proactive adaptations to extend seniors’ independent living. For example, accessible design can include features such as integrated mobility aids and barrier-free showers, helping anticipate future needs and create an environment that supports well-being and autonomy.
Given that the population is aging faster than the pace of senior residence construction, and that such residences are scarce outside major cities, bi-generational homes are emerging as a promising alternative. They offer a solution that allows seniors to remain close to their family, removing the need to move to adapted residences. This intergenerational proximity therefore becomes an essential element in meeting the changing needs of our aging society.
The bi-generational home beyond traditional family structures
Our bi-generational home models offer versatility that goes beyond conventional family needs. They also adapt seamlessly to other family scenarios and less traditional living arrangements, as we presented in our article Strategies for becoming a homeowner in 2024.
For example, bi-generational homes offer a practical solution for families with children transitioning into adulthood, whether during their university studies or when they are considering buying their own home. This flexibility provides continuity of family support while respecting young adults’ growing independence.
In addition, these homes can also address less conventional family arrangements, such as friends choosing to live together, individual partnerships, or situations where tenants share the space. The adaptable design of bi-generational homes can be adjusted to meet a variety of needs and family dynamics, offering an inclusive and versatile residential solution for diverse lifestyles.
The Altera Bi-Generational series: the art of living together
The bi-generational models in our series do more than meet the needs of modern families—they anticipate them. By fostering mutual support, strengthening family bonds, and delivering substantial savings, these multi-family homes redefine the way we think about home.
Discover the story of Harmonie Construction and the vision behind Altera bi-generational, led by its co-founders Maxime Thérien and Maurice Dagenais. Together, they share the journey that led them to develop unique expertise in intergenerational housing. Inspired by their own life experiences and driven by the desire to support families in their projects, Maxime and Maurice share their vision of a mission centered on collaboration, innovation, and high-end quality standards.
Whether to counter isolation, simplify daily life, or create a balance between community living and individual privacy, bi-generational homes are emerging as havens where each generation can thrive in harmony.
Would you like to know whether a bi-generational concept could meet your needs? Get in touch with us!
FAQ on Bi-Generational Homes
1. What is a bi-generational home, and how does it differ from a traditional home?
Answer : A bi-generational home is specifically designed to house two generations of the same family under one roof, while providing each with its own private space. Unlike a traditional home, it generally includes two separate living units with independent entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms, enabling harmonious cohabitation while preserving each generation’s privacy.
2. What are the main advantages of choosing a bi-generational home?
Answer : The advantages of bi-generational homes include stronger family bonds, the ability to support one another across generations, financial savings through shared living costs, and the option for seniors to live in a familiar, supportive environment.
3. How do bi-generational homes meet the needs of aging societies?
Answer : These homes offer a practical solution for aging societies by allowing seniors to live close to their family, reducing the need to move into specialized residences. This promotes mutual support and a better quality of life for older adults.
4. Can bi-generational homes be adapted to specific needs, such as accessibility for people with reduced mobility?
Answer : Yes, bi-generational homes can be customized to include accessibility features such as ramps, adapted bathrooms, and wheelchair-accessible kitchens. These adaptations help meet residents’ specific needs, particularly those of seniors or people with disabilities.
5. What financial and legal considerations should be taken into account when investing in a bi-generational home?
Answer : Investing in a bi-generational home requires considering financial aspects such as mortgages, taxes, and potential savings. From a legal standpoint, it is important to learn about local regulations regarding the construction and occupancy of bi-generational homes, as well as any potential tax implications.
