Why Multigenerational Homes Are on the Rise — And How Santa Barbara Families Are Adapting
By Deborah Samuel, Senior Specialist Realtor® in Montecito & Santa Barbara
With insight from Kelsey Samuel, Co-Owner, SB SOS Senior Downsizing Services
Multigenerational home buying is rising. Learn why families in Santa Barbara and Montecito are choosing shared living — and how Deborah Samuel and SB SOS help ease the transition.
The National Shift: Multigenerational Living Reaches a New Peak
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 17% of all U.S. homebuyers last year purchased multigenerational homes — the highest on record. This growing trend reflects deeper shifts in how American families live, care for loved ones, and manage rising housing costs.
In Santa Barbara and Montecito, we’re seeing this firsthand.
As a Senior Specialist Realtor, I help homeowners — many of whom are over 70 and have lived in their homes for decades — sell, transition, and sometimes merge generations into one residence. Partnering with Kelsey Samuel of SB SOS, who’s helped over 300 local seniors downsize with grace, we’ve seen how this trend plays out in real life.
What’s Driving the Demand?
According to NAR’s 2025 Generational Trends Report:
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21% of Gen X buyers (ages 45–59) purchased multigenerational homes.
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15% of younger Boomers (ages 60–69) and 12% of older Millennials (ages 35–44) did the same.
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36% cited “cost savings” as the main reason.
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A rising number of adult children either never left home or returned for financial or caretaking reasons.
In our local experience, families are:
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Bringing aging parents home rather than placing them in assisted living.
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Sharing housing costs as Santa Barbara home prices rise.
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Seeking properties with guest houses, dual suites, or ADU potential.
Real Stories from Santa Barbara Families
At SB SOS, we help seniors sort, pack, and transition to homes that work better for their current stage of life — often to join family or move into a smaller space on the same property. Many of our clients:
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Have adult children returning from major cities to work remotely.
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Are you planning ahead for in-home caregiving needs?
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Choose to build or convert garages into Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for independent yet nearby living.
“Multigenerational living is less about sacrifice and more about intentional design and family unity,” says Kelsey Samuel. “We help families make smart, supportive moves with less stress.”
Key Features Families Look For in a Multigenerational Home
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Separate entrances or wings
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Dual primary suites
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Guest houses with kitchens and full baths
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Poolside half-baths or outdoor living zones
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Flat land for future expansion or ADU additions
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Proximity to hospitals, parks, or schools
The Montecito & Santa Barbara Advantage
Our communities offer unique benefits for multigenerational households:
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Private estates with ample land for additions
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Gated enclaves that offer security for aging parents
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Ocean-view homes with multiple suites and home offices
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Proximity to Casa Dorinda, Valle Verde, and other senior campuses for flexible options
Your Trusted Team for Multigenerational Transitions
With over $60M in closed sales in the past 36 months and more than 300 successful senior transitions, our team understands the emotional, logistical, and financial needs of multigenerational living.
We combine real estate expertise with compassionate downsizing solutions — so your family feels supported every step of the way.
Let’s Make Your Next Chapter Work for Everyone
Whether you’re a senior ready to sell or a family looking to combine generations, we’re here to guide the process — from estate prep to final move-in.
📞 Call Deborah Samuel DRE 02119798 at 805-570-6680
📧 Email: [email protected]
