Rising mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and lingering inflation are reshaping how Americans live—and how they buy homes. A record 17% of U.S. home purchases in 2024 were specifically made for multigenerational living, according to the National Association of Realtors. This trend presents a golden opportunity for savvy home sellers to make more money by appealing to this fast-growing segment of the market.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you can boost your bottom line by understanding what multigenerational buyers want—and by keeping more of your equity with a flat fee MLS service like Simply List.
Why Multigenerational Buyers Are on the Rise
More and more families are combining households to save money, care for aging relatives, or provide a place for adult children to live amid skyrocketing rents. Generation X (ages 45–59) leads this movement, often seeking homes that can accommodate both their aging parents and their grown children.
The driving force behind this shift? Affordability.
Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at NAR, explains, “Pooling financial resources either for the mortgage or for household expenses may actually be the way to go for some people.”
And the numbers back her up—36% of multigenerational buyers said cost savings was their top reason for purchasing.
What This Means for Sellers
If your home has features that suit multigenerational living—like an in-law suite, finished basement, separate entrances, or even just multiple living areas—you’re sitting on a high-demand property.
Here’s how to maximize your sale:
- Highlight flexible spaces: Market your basement, bonus room, or finished attic as potential living quarters.
- Show off dual kitchens or kitchenettes: These are highly desirable for multigen buyers.
- Emphasize privacy and accessibility: Main-floor bedrooms and separate entrances are major selling points.
- Stage for multiple generations: Create vignettes in your home that help buyers envision multi-age living, such as a nursery and an office side-by-side, or a media room with senior-friendly seating.
How Simply List Helps You Keep More Profit
Multigenerational buyers are already cost-conscious. That doesn’t mean you have to take a hit on commissions to reach them.
With Simply List, you can market your home like a pro by getting it on the MLS—the same platform used by agents—without paying a full 5-6% commission.
Here’s how it works:
- Flat Fee MLS Listing: List your home on the MLS for a low, one-time fee.
- Retain Control: You stay in charge of your sale while still gaining exposure to thousands of agents and buyers.
- Keep More Equity: Instead of losing tens of thousands to agent commissions, you walk away with more money in your pocket.
By combining the appeal of a multigenerational-ready home with a DIY real estate strategy, you’re stacking the odds in your favor for a faster sale and a fatter return.
Final Thoughts
As affordability challenges persist, multigenerational buyers will continue to shape the housing market. By showcasing your home’s potential for extended family living—and listing it affordably through a flat fee MLS service like Simply List—you can turn changing trends into real profit.
Don’t just sell your home. Sell smart. Sell with Simply List.
