Should You Consider a Multi-Generational Home?
A Smart Guide for Boise Relocation
by Chris Budka
If you’re planning a move to Boise or the surrounding cities, you’re likely balancing a lot: your career, your family, and the big decision of where — and how — you want to live. For many of my clients, especially professionals relocating from out of state, there’s one question that keeps coming up:
👉 “Should we consider buying a multi-generational home?”
It’s a smart question — and one worth exploring carefully. Multi-generational living can offer incredible benefits: shared costs, built-in support, and the chance to create meaningful connections across generations. But it also comes with unique challenges that are easy to overlook if you’re new to this idea or new to Boise’s market.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through five essential things to think about before deciding if a multi-gen home is the right choice for your family’s next chapter.
Clarify Your Family’s Purpose for Multi-Generational Living
Before you even start browsing listings, it’s important to take a step back and ask:
Why are we considering this in the first place?
Is it about bringing aging parents closer so they can receive support? Are you helping adult children transition to independence while keeping them nearby? Or is it simply about pooling resources to afford a home that offers more space and luxury?
I always encourage my clients to have open, honest conversations at this stage. Everyone involved should be on the same page about why you’re choosing this path — and what you hope to gain from it. Getting clarity now helps avoid misunderstandings later.
Understand What Floor Plan Will Truly Work for Your Family
One of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — parts of buying a multi-gen home is figuring out the right layout. In the Boise area, you’ll find a variety of options: homes with fully separate guest suites, properties with casitas or “mother-in-law” apartments, or larger houses designed with dual master suites and flexible living spaces.
Here’s where I see people struggle: They fall in love with a beautiful house but later realize it doesn’t provide the right balance of privacy and togetherness. For multi-gen living to truly work, everyone needs personal space as well as shared areas to connect.
During your search, I help you think through what features matter most. Do you need separate entrances? Full second kitchens? Soundproofing between floors? Together, we can explore what’s available in neighborhoods like Meridian, Eagle, or Star — where multi-gen designs are becoming more popular.
Don’t Overlook the Financial, Zoning, and Legal Details
Buying a multi-generational home isn’t just about square footage — it’s about making a smart, sustainable financial choice. In Boise, there are zoning rules, HOA guidelines, and tax considerations that can affect whether your multi-gen setup is even allowed, or how it’s classified for legal and financial purposes.
For example, some properties may be considered single-family homes even if they have separate living areas, while others might fall under duplex or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning. This can impact your financing options, taxes, and even your ability to rent out part of the property down the line.
This is where my local network of trusted lenders, tax advisors, and legal experts comes in. I make sure you have the right people at the table early, so there are no surprises later.
Think Long-Term: Will This Home Serve You in 5 or 10 Years?
When I work with clients considering multi-gen living, I always ask: What if your circumstances change?
Maybe your parents need more care than the home can provide. Maybe your kids move out faster than you expected. Maybe you decide you’d like to generate rental income. The key is choosing a home that can adapt.
This means looking for flexibility: homes where spaces can be reimagined, where rental use is legal, or where it’s easy to adjust to life changes without needing to move again. I can help you spot properties that are built for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Plan for Lifestyle, Not Just Logistics
Finally, it’s important to think beyond the walls of the home itself. Multi-generational living affects daily life — and that can be wonderful, but it takes preparation. Shared spaces mean shared routines. There will be more coordination on things like chores, meals, and how common areas are used.
I always encourage clients to have these discussions before move-in day. How will household costs be split? What are the expectations around privacy and quiet time? Addressing these topics upfront helps everyone settle in smoothly and happily.
So, Should You Consider a Multi-Generational Home?
The answer depends on your family’s needs, lifestyle goals, and long-term plans. With the right guidance, a multi-gen home can offer flexibility, cost savings, and deeper connections — but it also takes careful planning to get it right. If you’re thinking about this option in Boise or the surrounding areas, let’s talk. I’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, explore the best properties, and create a strategy that fits your unique situation.
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Meet your local realtor
Chris Budka — a dedicated Real Estate Broker helping families and professionals buy, sell, and invest with confidence in Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley. Since relocating here with my own family in 2019, I’ve developed deep local expertise to guide my clients through every step of the process — from strategy to closing and beyond.
My approach is simple: transparency, honesty, and personalized support that puts people first. I treat every client like family and deliver value-driven results with concierge-level service. Whether you’re relocating, upgrading, or investing, I’m here to make it seamless, successful, and tailored to you.
📞 Have questions or ready to get started? Call or text me anytime at (208) 745-2895. I’d love to help you make your move with confidence.
