Should I Buy a House with an In-Law Suite?

Today, for many families, having their aging parents move in is both practical and deeply rewarding.

Multi-generational living can bring families closer together, reduce expenses, and provide peace of mind, knowing loved ones are nearby and cared for. But it may not be for everyone. Is it the right choice for your family, and how does an in-law suite factor into this decision?

Whether you’re considering buying a home with a secondary suite or converting an existing space, here are some important factors to consider before taking the plunge.

Before we dive in, have you downloaded your free copy of our Homebuyer Handbook? Get it right here.

The Benefits of an In-Law Suite

Choosing a home with a dedicated in-law suite—or creating one—offers a structured way to live together while maintaining some level of independence.

PRO: Sharing the costs of maintaining a household can ease financial burdens for everyone involved. What exactly this looks like will be different for every family, from splitting the mortgage payments to helping with the cost of repairs; every little bit helps.
PRO: Multi-generational living can be mutually beneficial, whether it’s helping with childcare, household tasks, or simply offering companionship. Many hands make light work!
PRO: Many aging parents prefer to stay out of retirement homes, which can be a burden when they can no longer safely live on their own. An in-law suite allows them to maintain a sense of autonomy while staying close to family.
PRO: A well-designed secondary suite can boost your home’s resale value and even be repurposed as a rental unit in the future.

Do you have more questions about buying a home? Read these next blogs for answers to your real estate questions:

Who Thrives in a Multi-Generational Home?

This arrangement works best for families with:

Strong, communicative relationships where open discussions about boundaries, responsibilities, and expectations are crucial.
A home that allows for the privacy of separate living spaces (a private entrance, kitchen, and bathroom) to help maintain independence and avoid friction.
Willingness to adapt to new routines, habits, and personal preferences.

Challenges to Consider

While multi-generational living can be incredibly rewarding, it’s certainly not for everyone.

CON: If the in-law suite isn’t well-separated, it may feel like there’s no personal space and issues with privacy could arise. Young children in the home may also have difficulty adapting to new boundaries.
CON: Conflicting routines can cause tension, especially in a smaller home if one household member is an early riser while another is a night owl. Consider how your schedules will impact each other.
CON: Are your in-laws contributing financially? Will they be on the title? What happens if the arrangement doesn’t work out? Inviting a parent into your home comes with a lot of assumptions, so be sure to nip these kinds of legal or financial concerns in the bud before making any commitments.

Looking to buy a home in a rural area? Read our blog: 8 Things to Know Before Buying a Home in a Rural Area.

What to Look for in a Home with an In-Law Suite

If you’re house-hunting with this setup in mind, be sure to look for features such as a separate entrance, a full or partial kitchen, a private bedroom, and a bathroom. For some aging parents, it may also be important to consider the unit’s accessibility.

If looking at a basement suite, would a ground-level backyard walkout be more manageable than a side door leading downstairs? Or perhaps side-by-side units would be better? If your parent still drives, you’ll need a driveway or garage with space for everyone. And finally, do you need to be close to any particular amenities such as hospitals or doctors?

In the end, multi-generational living can be a fulfilling and financially savvy decision, but it’s not one to take lightly. Understanding the dynamics of sharing a home with your in-laws, setting clear boundaries, and ensuring the space works for everyone is key to making it successful.

Thinking about buying a home with an in-law suite? The Lisa Hartsink Team has years of experience finding multi-generational homes that work for families just like yours. Let’s find the right fit together!