The Rising Demand for Intergenerational Living Is Reshaping Bentleigh

Intergenerational living has moved from the margins to the mainstream. In Bentleigh, it’s influencing buyer demand and changing the way people search for homes that truly work for family life.

According to Simon Pintado of Buxton Bentleigh, there has been a clear and sustained lift in interest for homes that comfortably support multiple generations under one roof.

“What we’re seeing isn’t just a preference shift, it’s a structural change in how people think about their homes,” Pintado says.

What buyers are looking for

While dual-living setups and granny flats continue to have a place, Bentleigh buyers are overwhelmingly prioritising single-level living. The most in-demand homes typically feature:

·      Multiple master bedrooms, particularly with at least one on the ground floor

·      Practical layouts that allow independence alongside shared living

·      Double garages and generous storage

·      Minimal stairs and future-proofed design

Single-level duplexes that meet these criteria are especially sought after, but remain exceptionally scarce, putting strong upward pressure on prices when they do come to market.

More than a cultural trend

Cultural preferences remain an important driver, particularly among Indian and Chinese families who value the ability to accommodate extended family while maintaining close day-to-day connection. But this is only part of the picture.

Downsizers, empty nesters and middle stage-of-life buyers are also fuelling demand. Many are looking for homes that work not just now, but well into the future, allowing them to age in place, support adult children, or plan for changing family needs without having to move again.

“The common thread is long-term thinking,” Pintado notes. “People want homes that adapt with them, not against them.”

The impact on the Bentleigh market

As demand rises and supply remains tight, homes that meet intergenerational criteria are becoming some of the most competitive listings in the suburb. Well-designed single-level properties are regularly attracting strong interest and premium results, reflecting their rarity and broad buyer appeal.

This shift is also influencing how buyers approach compromise. Floorplans, land size and layout are often prioritised over cosmetic finishes, with many purchasers willing to renovate if the fundamentals are right.

A practical approach for buyers

For families entering the market, realism is essential.

“Have your negotiables and your non-negotiables clear from the outset,” Pintado advises. “The perfect home rarely exists unless you build it, so understanding where you can flex makes all the difference.”

The Great Australian Dream is changing.

Where homes were once designed around a single stage of life, they’re now shaped by greater fluidity. Evolving family structures, longer working lives and a sharper focus on how homes support everyday living are redefining what people value in property.

As the property partner for every generation, Buxton works alongside those looking to align their homes or investments with a lifestyle that makes sense today and stands up over time. Whether supporting families planning for multi-generational living, buyers seeking flexibility across life stages, or investors thinking long term about demand and liveability, our approach is grounded in local insight, considered advice and the understanding that property decisions are never one-size-fits-all.

In Bentleigh, where homes are being shaped around extended families and evolving needs, local knowledge isn’t optional. It’s fundamental.

Talk to Bentleigh expert Simon Pintado about what comes next.