Beyond the Backyard: The Rise of Multi-Generational Floorplans in Brisbane

Brisbane's property landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation, and it's not just about rising prices or infrastructure booms. Across the River City, a quiet revolution is reshaping how families think about home design, with multi-generational floor plans emerging as one of the most significant residential trends of the decade.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

The shift towards multi-generational living isn't speculation—it's backed by substantial data. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, households containing three generations increased by an impressive 22 per cent between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, jumping from 275,000 to 335,000 nationally. This upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing, with projections indicating continued growth through 2025 and beyond.

Research from the University of New South Wales City Futures Research Centre reveals that one in five Australians now live in multi-generational households—that's more than four million people sharing homes with parents, adult children, or extended family members. Brisbane is at the epicentre of this movement, with 204,598 properties identified as suitable for granny flat construction—representing 21.6 per cent of the city's housing stock and making multi-generational floor plans in Brisbane increasingly accessible to families seeking flexible living solutions.

Why Brisbane Families Are Choosing Multi-Generational Floorplans

"We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how Australian families approach homeownership and living arrangements," says Paul Virdi, director of Alpha Real Property Group. "The traditional model of nuclear families in separate dwellings is giving way to more collaborative, multi-generational households that make financial sense whilst strengthening family bonds. Brisbane's property market, with its combination of affordability and lifestyle appeal, is perfectly positioned to lead this transition."

The demand for multi-generational floor plans in Brisbane reflects both economic pressures and changing family values.

The drivers behind this trend are both economic and cultural. Housing affordability has reached critical levels across Queensland, with Brisbane's income-to-house-price ratio tripling from 2.9 in 1975 to 8.3 in 2024—higher than the national ratio of 8.1. The average home now costs more than seven times the average first-home buyer's wage, compared to just 3.5 times in the 1990s.

Queensland's population grew by 2.3 per cent in the year to June 2024, above the national average of 2.1 per cent. Brisbane received 28,201 people from other states over the 12 months to September 2024, the highest interstate migration influx among Australian capitals. Combined with median house prices reaching $992,864 as of October 2025, shared housing arrangements have become increasingly attractive.

Research indicates that more than half of people living in multi-generational arrangements do so for financial reasons. With dwelling completions failing to keep pace with population growth, the mismatch between supply and demand continues to put upward pressure on housing costs.

The Aged Care Connection

Beyond affordability, Australia's ageing population plays a crucial role. The fastest-growing age group for multi-generational households is those over 65, according to Dr Edgar Liu from UNSW's City Futures Research Centre. There's growing resistance to institutional aged care facilities, whilst government policy increasingly favours ageing-in-place solutions.

Simultaneously, younger Australians are achieving traditional milestones like career establishment and homeownership much later than previous generations. This delayed independence, combined with rising childcare costs, makes multi-generational living mutually beneficial: grandparents receive family support whilst providing childcare, and adult children access more affordable housing options.

How Multi-Generational Floorplans Are Transforming Brisbane's Market

The property development sector has taken notice. Major builders report significant increases in enquiries for multi-generational floorplans designed specifically for extended families, with demand surging notably since 2021. GJ Gardner Homes has observed a dramatic uptick in requests for homes featuring separate bedroom zones and multiple living areas—key elements that allow different generations to maintain privacy whilst sharing communal spaces.

Brisbane's median dwelling value rose 10.8 per cent annually as of October 2025, with houses increasing 10.2 per cent and units surging 14.0 per cent. High-growth suburbs like Caboolture Hinterland, Redcliffe, Chermside, and Sunnybank—all posting annual growth rates between 13.1 and 14.0 per cent—are attracting upsizing families seeking larger blocks suitable for secondary dwellings or homes with adaptable multi-generational floorplans Brisbane developers are now prioritising.

Research by Hatch RobertsDay identified 583,440 properties across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane capable of accommodating an additional self-contained unit of at least 60 square metres. In Brisbane alone, with over 204,000 suitable properties, the potential for multi-generational housing development is substantial.

Design Features That Matter

Modern multi-generational floor plans incorporate specific design elements that distinguish them from traditional family homes. Separate living zones with dual master suites and distinct bedroom wings allow different generations to maintain independence. Self-contained granny flats or detached studios with separate entrances provide genuine autonomy for both elderly parents and adult children.

Accessibility features including step-free access, wider hallways, and mobility-friendly bathrooms, support ageing-in-place. Flexible multi-use rooms transition from home offices to guest suites, accommodating changing family dynamics. Enhanced acoustic separation and private outdoor areas reduce friction points inherent in shared living.

Around four-fifths of multi-generational households in Sydney and Brisbane were owner-occupiers in 2011, compared to less than two-thirds of all other household types, demonstrating the financial stability often associated with these arrangements.

Policy Support and Future Outlook

Government initiatives are actively supporting this shift. The introduction of Capital Gains Tax exemptions for granny flat arrangements removes significant barriers for families building secondary dwellings. Victorian and New South Wales reforms allow homeowners to bypass local councils through standardised application processes, streamlining what was previously a bureaucratic challenge.

With Brisbane median house prices expected to reach $1,000,000 by the end of 2025, representing approximately 10 per cent growth, and the 2032 Olympics driving further infrastructure investment, the demand for multi-generational housing solutions will only intensify. Federal government forecasts suggest Queensland's population will grow by more than 16 per cent by 2032, representing an additional 400,000+ residents requiring housing solutions that align with affordability constraints.

A Sustainable Solution

Multi-generational living addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: housing affordability, aged care pressures, childcare costs, and social isolation. For upsizing families, it offers a practical pathway to accommodate ageing parents or adult children without sacrificing lifestyle or location.

Brisbane's combination of relative affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne, strong rental yields averaging 3.5 per cent, and lifestyle appeal positions the city as Australia's leading market for multi-generational property development.

As Paul Virdi observes, "The families making these decisions today aren't compromising—they're pioneering a more sustainable, connected approach to homeownership that acknowledges both economic realities and the enduring value of family support networks."

The data confirms what many Brisbane families already know: the future of housing isn't found in isolation, but in thoughtfully designed spaces that bring generations together. For property seekers, developers, and policymakers alike, understanding this shift isn't optional—it's essential to navigating Brisbane's evolving residential landscape.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult qualified professionals before making investment decisions.