Using your tiny home for multigenerational living
As housing costs continue to rise, families are exploring creative solutions to keep loved ones close while maintaining financial stability. Nationwide, prices for housing were 52.51% higher in 2024 versus 2011, with a typical household needing to spend an average of 37.5% of their income on a mortgage payment for a median-priced single-family home. With affordability becoming a growing concern, multigenerational living—where seniors, young adults, and extended family members share a property—has become an increasingly popular option. Tiny homes offer an affordable and flexible way to support this lifestyle, providing independence while fostering connection. Whether you have an aging parent looking for a safe and comfortable living space or an adult child seeking an affordable path to homeownership, a tiny home can be the perfect solution to meet diverse family needs.
Tiny homes for seniors
Rising housing costs strain seniors on fixed incomes, as Social Security and retirement savings often fail to keep pace with inflation. Many are forced to delay retirement or take part-time jobs, while those who rent face housing instability and long waitlists for affordable senior housing. Costs can be exorbitant when it comes to assisted living and nursing homes. In Oregon, the average monthly cost of senior living is significant, ranging from $5,100 for assisted living to $10,114 for nursing home care.
With such high cost of living expenses, more seniors stay in their homes longer, turning to multigenerational housing options like tiny homes for affordability and support. Setting up a tiny home on your property creates a safe and welcoming environment for aging relatives while preserving their independence. It’s a solution that fosters family connection, simplifies caregiving, and provides peace of mind knowing your loved ones are just steps away.
Explore our step-by-step guide
Step 1: Assess their needs and preferences
It’s important to discuss your relative’s long-term living needs, preferences, and concerns. Ask what features they value most, such as a cozy bedroom, easy access to the outdoors, or space for hobbies. Use this opportunity to explore how the tiny home can enhance their quality of life and maintain their independence while staying close to family. Next, you’ll want to identify the their mobility or accessibility requirements, particularly if they use mobility aids or have difficulty navigating stairs.
Step 2: Design the tiny home with accessibility and comfort in mind
Opt for a single-story design with an open floor plan to eliminate unnecessary obstacles and provide easy navigation—our non-lofted Maple and Willow floor plans are two great options. To help create a safer environment, we recommend choosing smooth flooring like laminate or LVP to reduce the risk of tripping, as well as adding brighter lights to ensure good visibility. We also offer recommendations for trusted local contractors who can install more custom features such as entry ramps, grab bars, elevated bathroom fixtures, and accessible hardware.
Step 3: Choose the location and set up utilities
Select a location on your property that provides both privacy and accessibility while ensuring the site is level and easy to navigate. Confirm access to essential utilities like water, electricity, and sewage. Check local zoning regulations to ensure compliance, as permits may be required if the tiny home is classified as an ADU in Portland. To enhance safety and convenience, consider installing smart home features such as remote-controlled lighting, thermostats, and emergency alert systems.
Step 4: Prepare the home for move-in
Furnish the home with senior-friendly furniture, such as firm-cushioned armchairs and adjustable beds for mobility support. Install safety features like grab bars, smoke detectors, emergency call buttons, and motion-sensor lights for added security. Personalize the space with family photos, favorite books, and a hobby area to make it feel warm and familiar.
Step 5: Provide ongoing support and care
Establish a regular check-in routine through visits, shared meals, or family communication plans. As needs change, be ready to modify the home with accessibility features like ramps or advanced safety systems. Encourage independence while ensuring they stay socially engaged and feel included in family activities.
Key benefits of tiny homes for seniors
Independence with Support: Seniors can enjoy the comfort of having their own home with the reassurance that help is nearby if needed. This arrangement maintains their dignity and autonomy while easing the challenges of aging.
Accessibility Features: Tiny homes can be customized to include senior-friendly features like single-level floor plans (such as the Maple or Willow), walk-in showers, ramps, and handrails, making them ideal for aging in place.
Affordability: Compared to the high costs of senior living facilities or building a custom structure, a tiny home is a cost-effective solution that offers long-term savings and value.
Closer Connection: Living nearby allows for more frequent interactions, while still providing the privacy needed for both parties to feel comfortable.
Future Flexibility: If circumstances change, the tiny home can be repurposed as a guest house, rental unit, or even an office or studio space, giving you long-term versatility.
Tiny homes for young adults
Due to rising home prices and interest rates, along with the common struggle of student loan debt, it’s more difficult than ever for young adults to afford a first home, leading to more renters. But renting comes with its own burdens—the percentage of income young people spend on rent often exceeds 40–50%, making it difficult to save for the future.
Rather than moving back into the family home or paying for overpriced rentals, a tiny home provides an affordable solution that balances autonomy and support. It’s a great opportunity for young adults to develop essential life skills, learn about financial responsibility, and experience the freedom of their own space without taking on the overwhelming burden of high rent or a mortgage, all while adding value to your property.
Explore our step-by-step guide
Step 1: Involve them in the decision-making process
Start by having an open conversation about the idea of adding a tiny home to your property, highlighting the benefits of independent living as a stepping stone toward homeownership. Discuss their needs, preferences, and future goals to ensure the space aligns with their lifestyle. Work together to explore different tiny home designs, considering factors like kitchen size, sleeping arrangements, and workspace. Involving them in the decision-making process ensures the tiny home feels like their own.
Step 2: Determine budget, financial responsibility, and ownership
First, decide who will cover the costs of the tiny home and whether your child will contribute by paying rent, utilities, or furnishing expenses. If you want to help them build credit, consider co-signing a loan so they can make manageable payments and establish financial independence. If you’re covering the cost, explain the investment, ongoing expenses, and their responsibilities.
Next, determine ownership—will the tiny home be in your name, your child’s name, or co-owned? Co-ownership can help them learn responsibility while also building credit. If they are contributing financially, set up a clear payment plan and document it with a promissory note or rental agreement to ensure transparency and accountability.
Step 3: Choose the location and setup logistics
Select a location on your property that balances privacy and accessibility while ensuring access to essential utilities like water, electricity, and sewage. Check local zoning regulations to confirm the tiny home’s compliance with city codes. In Portland, this may require permits if the unit is classified as an ADU.
Step 4: Customize the tiny home for their needs
Design a layout that accommodates essential living spaces, including a bed, kitchen, workspace, and small living area. Personalize the home to reflect their style with preferred colors, materials, and functional design choices. Smart storage solutions and built-in features like desks or shelving can help maximize space and enhance comfort.
Step 5: Teach financial and maintenance responsibilities
Prepare your child for independent living by discussing monthly costs such as utilities, internet, insurance, and maintenance expenses. Help them create a budget to track their income, spending, and savings. This is also a great opportunity to introduce long-term financial planning, such as saving for a future home or other financial goals.
Key benefits of tiny homes for young adults
Independence Without Distance: They get the benefit of living on their own while staying close enough for support and family connection.
Affordability: Tiny homes are a cost-effective housing option, ideal for young adults who are just starting out.
Teaches Financial Responsibility: By managing a smaller home, they can learn the basics of budgeting, maintaining a property, and handling bills.
Builds Life Skills: From cooking to managing their own space, tiny homes help develop everyday skills that will serve them for years to come.
Flexible Living Space: If they eventually move out, the tiny home can be used as an office, guest house, or even a rental property to generate income.
Tiny homes offer a practical and affordable multigenerational housing solution, providing independence for loved ones while keeping family close, especially as housing costs continue to rise. With a range of thoughtfully designed floor plans and customizable features, we can help you create the perfect tiny home to fit your needs. Explore our available models and floor plans to find the ideal space for your family.