Are you getting the right signals about 3G living?

In India, France and the Ukraine, adult children legally have to support their elderly parents – with many choosing to support them within their own home. In Greece it is commonplace for multiple generations to live under one roof, and the younger family members go to work to pay the bills, whilst the older generation assist with childcare, cooking and housekeeping.

This integrated approach often benefits both parties in more ways than one. If an older generational family member suddenly needs more care – illness, the loss of a loved one for example - often the responsibility of care can fall to the younger generation, maybe a son or daughter, who may have a young family of their own, a job and a home. For the younger family member, trying to juggle their family life, and ensure that their parent or family member is cared for can be a challenge, and often the chain breaks.

At this stage, 3G living can be a perfect option. Moving the whole family into one home helps ensure that everyone receives the support that they need, and often the result is a happier family unit.

However, if you are looking into the option of 3G living, it is important to find the perfect property. You need to consider every party who will be living in the house, their needs today, and their needs in the future. This is not a home you will want to move from quickly, so make sure it

is right and will grow with you.

Many people prefer a separate ‘Granny Annexe’ for elderly relatives, although be aware that this can be counterproductive further down the line if mobility ever becomes a problem – why not look instead for a ground floor space that can be converted, and don’t forget that a bathroom will be needed as well. If you’ve got young children in the household, do bear in mind that they will eventually become teenagers – and they need their own space too!

London

This East London-based property is perfectly placed for the commuters in the family, with three tube stations all within easy reach of the property. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms at £659,000, one of each on the ground floor, makes it a great size for three generations – and means that everyone has plenty of space to grow and be happy in the property for many years.

South

In the South East, there are plenty of properties available that are ideal to be converted, but you have to look at floor plans with an open mind. This four-bedroom detached property in East Grinstead at £899,950, would be ideal for a growing family, and the dining room would make a great size downstairs bedroom, with availability to create an adjoining en-suite using the existing downstairs WC. The existing study would make an ideal replacement dining room, so there would be no compromise on family space.

North

This beautiful four-bedroom detached property in Bath for £599,000 would be a great project for a hands-on family! With an integrated garage with existing cloakroom and WC, perfect to be renovated into a large downstairs bedroom with en-suite, as well as extensive mature grounds, whether you want to get your hands dirty inside or outside this could be the perfect property for you.

Midlands

In a great school catchment area, with a park just a short walk away, this five-bedroomed detached house in Sutton Coldfield, priced at £399,950 is made for the younger members of the family. A secure garden means that even this would be a great house for even the youngest tots to grow up with their family.

Scotland

For the adventurous families out there, there’s a property in Scotland that could be just for you. Perched on the edge of a friendly fishing village, the Rosehearty Tower is a four-bedroomed detached property like no other. With unsurpassable 360-degree views of coast, sea and countryside, the property provides quirky family living and a self-contained annex, wrapped up in a package of village life and hearty outdoor pursuits, for £450,000.

Looking for a property to keep the whole family happy can be a challenge – but once you find the perfect home, it can revolutionise family life

If you are having to sell your home - and possibly a relative’s home too - in order to make your dreams of 3G living come true, we can help.