New Hampshire has been actively working to address its housing affordability crisis through legislation and policy changes. In 2025, the state passed significant updates requiring municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units by right in single-family zones, easing restrictions on multi-family housing near jobs and transit, and creating incentives for communities that update outdated zoning rules. Despite these supply-side efforts, home prices have continued their climb, leaving many families searching for practical, family-driven solutions.
New Hampshire Home Prices Continue to Climb
The median sale price for a single-family home in New Hampshire stood at roughly $300,000 in 2019. By May 2026, it had surged to a record $575,000 — a jump of nearly 80 percent in just seven years, according to data from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors. Inventory remains painfully tight, hovering around two months of supply in many periods, well below the five-to-six months considered a balanced market.
For many Granite State families, these numbers have turned the American dream of homeownership into a serious challenge. In this environment, a housing model once more common in other parts of the country is quietly gaining attention here: multigenerational living.
Multigenerational Living Gains National Attention
Nationally, multigenerational homes accounted for 17 percent of all home purchases in 2024, an all-time high, before easing slightly to 14 percent in 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors. Gen X buyers, often caring for both children and aging parents, led the trend with 21 percent of their purchases falling into this category.
While New Hampshire has not seen the same scale of multigenerational development as Western states like California, local builders and homeowners are beginning to respond to the same economic pressures.
New Hampshire Builders Respond to Multigenerational Housing Demand
One of the clearest examples is Nadeau Village in Hudson. Developer Etchstone Properties built 15 dual-family homes on spacious 2+ acre lots specifically marketed for multigenerational living. These properties, carrying price tags in the $1.2 million-plus range, have attracted strong buyer interest despite the premium.
Beyond new construction, changes in state law are making it easier for existing homeowners to create additional living space. In 2025, the Legislature passed updates that require municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units by right in single-family zoning districts. These can be attached or detached, up to 950 square feet, with independent living facilities. Locally, I’ve seen many neighbors and even some fellow real estate agents adding on to accommodate both parents and children as both rental prices and home prices continue to increase year over year.
What Makes a Multigenerational Property Work?
Successful multigenerational properties typically feature private suites with separate entrances, dual kitchens or kitchenettes, flexible living spaces, and accessibility features like first-floor primary suites and wider hallways.
The benefits are significant. Cost savings are a major driver, as families share mortgages, utilities, and maintenance costs. Many cite caregiving for aging parents or helping adult children as primary reasons. Additional upsides include stronger family bonds, built-in childcare, and reduced loneliness for seniors.
The Challenges of Multigenerational Living
However, there are real challenges too. Privacy concerns, household conflicts, and the need for clear financial and legal agreements can create stress. Upfront renovation costs can also be substantial, and not every family dynamic thrives in this arrangement.
Could Multigenerational Housing Help New Hampshire Families?
New Hampshire’s high home prices and tight inventory create strong economic incentives for this model. While it has historically been less common here culturally, practicality appears to be winning out. Local realtors report growing interest, and new construction plus easier ADU rules suggest the trend is gaining momentum.
Multigenerational housing may not be a complete solution to New Hampshire’s housing challenges, but it is becoming an increasingly practical option for families looking to stay in the state they love.
This article was written by Randy Miller. Randy is a Realtor® at Roche Realty Group in Meredith, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.
FAQ: Multigenerational Homes and Housing Affordability in New Hampshire
What is a multigenerational home?
A multigenerational home is a property where more than one adult generation lives under one roof or on the same property. This may include parents, adult children, grandparents, or extended family members sharing living space while maintaining some level of privacy.
Why are multigenerational homes becoming more popular in New Hampshire?
Multigenerational homes are gaining attention in New Hampshire because home prices and rental costs have continued to rise while inventory remains tight. For many families, sharing a home can help reduce expenses, support aging parents, assist adult children, and make homeownership more attainable.
Can multigenerational living help with housing affordability?
Multigenerational living may help some families manage housing affordability by allowing them to share mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance costs, and caregiving responsibilities. While it is not a complete solution to New Hampshire’s housing challenges, it can be a practical option for families who want to stay in the state.
What features are important in a multigenerational home?
Successful multigenerational properties often include private suites, separate entrances, dual kitchens or kitchenettes, flexible living areas, first-floor primary suites, wider hallways, and other accessibility features that support both independence and shared living.
How do accessory dwelling units relate to multigenerational living?
Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, can provide additional living space for family members while allowing for more privacy and independence. In New Hampshire, recent updates have made it easier for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts.
What are the challenges of multigenerational living?
Common challenges include privacy concerns, household conflicts, shared financial responsibilities, renovation costs, and the need for clear legal or financial agreements. Not every family dynamic works well in a shared living arrangement, so planning and communication are important.
Is multigenerational housing a complete solution to New Hampshire’s housing crisis?
Multigenerational housing is not a complete solution, but it is becoming an increasingly practical option. As home prices remain high and inventory stays limited, more families may consider shared living arrangements as a way to manage costs and support one another.
