Buying a Home Together? What to Know About Multi-Generational Living in Reno/Sparks
Picture this: grandma’s cooking in the kitchen, the grandkids are playing in the backyard, and you’re finally able to save money on housing while caring for the people who matter most. That’s multi-generational living—and it’s making a comeback across Northern Nevada.
With home prices staying high and mortgage rates making solo buying challenging, we’re seeing more families pooling their resources and buying homes together. Parents, adult children, and even grandparents are teaming up to live under one roof or on the same property. It’s smart, resourceful, and full of potential—if done right.
Let’s talk about what to look for and what to look out for when considering a multi-generational home.
The Problem: High Costs, Growing Families, and Limited Space
Buying a home on your own in today’s market can feel impossible. Rent isn’t much better. So families are getting creative.
Whether you're blending households to help with child care, aging parents, or just to split the financial load, multi-gen living offers huge benefits:
Shared expenses (mortgage, utilities, food)
Built-in child or elder care
Emotional support and stronger family bonds
However, it also presents challenges: privacy, space, and achieving the proper layout are crucial.
The Solution: What to Look For in a Multi-Gen Home
Here’s what smart buyers should prioritize:
1. Layout That Makes Sense
Look for homes with separate living spaces. Think:
A downstairs suite with a private bath
Finished basements or casitas
Dual primary bedrooms
Garage conversions or ADUs (check zoning!)
Bonus points for a second kitchen or kitchenette. Even a wet bar with a microwave can be a game changer.
2. Multiple Entrances
Families thrive when there’s a sense of independence. A private entrance helps older parents or young adults feel more autonomous—even if they’re just headed to the same dinner table.
3. Zoning + Permits
Before planning any add-ons or conversions, make sure your Reno/Sparks property is zoned for it. Not every neighborhood allows ADUs or separate rental spaces.
4. Shared Yet Separate Utilities
Having split HVAC, water heaters, or even separate laundry hookups can prevent arguments over who’s using all the hot water—or running up the power bill.
5. Future Flexibility
Your needs will change. Maybe your parents move out, or your kids go off to college. Look for a home that can be reshaped later: a rental unit, home office, or guest space.
What to Watch Out For
✘ Too Little Privacy
If there’s only one shared bathroom and thin walls, tensions can rise quickly. Prioritize personal space.
✘ Financial Confusion
Make sure everyone is clear on who’s on the loan, how costs are split, and what happens if someone wants to move out. A written agreement can help avoid awkward family dinners later.
✘ Resale Limitations
Custom multi-gen builds or extreme renovations may limit your future buyer pool. Be thoughtful about changes.
✘ Emotional Expectations
Living with family isn’t the same as visiting. Have open conversations upfront about boundaries, chores, and quiet time.
Real Talk: It Can Be Done—and Done Well
We’ve helped families in Reno, Sparks, and surrounding areas purchase homes that bring generations together. From securing seller credits to buy-down rates to identifying off-market homes with in-law setups, the right agent can make all the difference.
If you’re considering buying together as a family, please give us a call. We’d love to help you find a home that works for every generation.
📞 Speak with one of our agents today: 775-204-4847
