A growing number of South African families are embracing a new way of living, as grandparents move back under the same roof as their children and grandchildren, bringing built-in childcare and renewed family support.

Financial pressures, from soaring housing costs to high childcare to rising costs for retirees, are driving this return to shared homes where pooled resources make daily life more manageable across generations.

Families who once prized independence are rediscovering the practical and emotional benefits of togetherness. By welcoming grandparents or adult children home, households are cutting costs on bonds, groceries, and utilities while building everyday support networks. The rise of remote work has further enabled relatives to share space without giving up careers or privacy.

Property developers are adapting, introducing home designs with features like granny flats, dual-living suites, and separate entrances to balance communal living with personal boundaries. Estate agents note rising demand for such flexible homes, as more buyers seek properties that adapt as families grow and change.

It is easy to see the benefits: built-in childcare, companionship for aging parents, and crucial financial relief. However, success requires open communication around expenses, privacy, and property rights to maintain harmony. With an aging population and living costs unlikely to ease soon, built-in family support is quickly becoming a defining feature of South African life.