Homeowners across London are changing how they think about their living situations. Four and five-bedroom properties that were home to nuclear families are now being converted to incorporate multi-generational living, whether that is for adult children or elderly parents.
Londoners are no longer looking for “granny flats” attached to their property, but instead a beautiful independent space that matches the aesthetic and quality of the primary residence. These spaces could be luxury garden lodges, converted basements, or self-contained flats covering an entire floor of the property, but must always balance the need for shared communal spaces and private retreats — community and privacy.
Living spaces for elderly parents in London
Creating an independent space attached to the property has long been a sought-after solution for managing elderly parents. However, the new approach is not to create a “bolt-on” addition of a granny annexe, but to include this independent space thoughtfully within the property.
The space could be a garden lodge if the property includes sufficient outdoor space that can be converted but could also be a self-contained floor or wing within the property itself. This space would be treated as part of the main residence, with the same underlying aesthetics and quality, but also match the needs of those it is designed to host with wider doorways, higher outlets, and multiple lighting sources.
This independent space should also contain a kitchenette and separate sitting room so that both the family and the elderly parents can have their own spaces and personal time. And en suite facilities that offer the same spa-like luxury of the primary residence but with the addition of guard rails and no-step shower entry for safety and ease of independent living.
“Launchpads” for adult children in London
Whether the children are studying at a London university and still living at home or they have returned to London after their studies, an independent “launchpad” space can provide a safety net and financial security for the next stage of life. Not only can the space offer them independence within an area they know well but also provides the opportunity for them to build equity to buy their own property whilst still being able to enjoy the social and employment prospects of living in the UK’s financial and business centre.
A launchpad space does not require the same functional and safety additions as the space for the elderly, but the ideas are otherwise similar. A self-contained bedroom, kitchenette, and sitting room that offers the benefits of both independence from and proximity to the family home.
The value of a multi-generational spaces
A recent Zoopla study found that properties with self-contained, high-end annexes can command up to a 30% premium in the London market. Whether these self-contained spaces are finished with an elderly relative or young adult in mind, properties with these multi-generational living spaces are becoming increasingly popular.
In the grand five-floored Edwardian villas in some of London’s leafier areas such as Chelsea or Kensington, these spaces could take up entire floors. Meanwhile, in other areas these annexes could be luxury external eco-lodges in the garden or converted basements or garages. The important factor is the design of the space and the consideration given for the purpose.
Beyond family lodgings, these self-contained spaces can also be transformed relatively easily into short-term rental spaces, which depending on location, could be a profitable secondary use for the annex.
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If you are looking to extend or reconfigure your home for multi-generational living, then call Good London Builders for experienced and reliable advice on how to achieve your property goals. Call us on 0207 978 5097 or get in touch online.
