The sandwich generation is juggling their off spring and taking care of their parents…all in the same home

Millennials were born between 1981 and 1995. Currently, 27% of San Francisco county residents are of that age group. Older Millennials and Gen Z in their 50s, in 2026, are being referred to as the sandwich generation—meaning they are in a position where they are taking on caregiving of both their children and older parents at the same time, often in the same house.

This is really stretching the abilities of people’s living spaces to accommodate everyone. It also forces people in this position to make hard choices about affording both paying for kids’ college education and parents’ elder care expenses.

Recent AARP research shows the sandwich generation spends, on average, $5,538 on housing-related expenses and $1,537 on medical and caregiving expenses monthly. Realtor.com did a survey showing that currently 1 in 6 Americans are part of the sandwich generation.

How This Is Changing Housing Priorities

A lot of people who fall into this category watched their parents lose their homes in economic downturns. As a direct result, the sandwich generation is prioritizing practical multigenerational housing.

This looks like:

• Less square footage
• More walkable access to services
• Proximity to local shopping and schools
• Locations that support fast and easy delivery options
  
  

Because people feel like their earnings are so maxed out and stretched so thin—caring for aging parents and supporting kids—we’re seeing a departure from large, car-dependent suburban homes.

People are, very practically, looking for lower upkeep levels and higher easy access to daily activities, commodities, and social communities. The priority for these homeowners or home buyers is less about preference and more about necessity.

The Financial Side of “Sandwiching”

Although a lot of this generation battles with high interest rates, skyrocketing insurance, and gigantic grocery bills, there is a faction that sees financial benefit to the “sandwiching,” so to speak.

About 33% of the sandwich generation says that taking on caring for their parents has helped them afford their housing. This is because when the older family member has money to bring to the table, expenses can be pooled.

Some people take on the task of building onto their current home. If you have the means and the space to do it, it’s an awesome option. Other people take on purchasing a new house that can accommodate multiple generations.

What This Means for the Real Estate Market

Either way, this dynamic becoming really prevalent might change some things about the real estate market. It could reshape, a little, the layout and specific demands around what people need from suburban neighborhoods and houses.

This could mean:

• More flexible layouts
• More accessory dwelling units
• Large kitchen spaces that don’t feel cramped
• Two living rooms—one on the main floor and one in a finished basement
  
  

We’re moving toward really needing to shape communities around being able to support both older adults and younger families.

The Human Side of Multigenerational Living

There are a lot of really sweet and impactful benefits to having your parents and kids in the same house. Feeling supported, having an experienced source of wisdom and advice, and having another adult to back you up.

Whether your adult kids help drive your older parent, or your parent can be there when your young kid gets off the bus, being there for family is beautiful.

No matter what life throws at you—taking on more responsibility or gaining some freedom and space—the Monday team is a trusted resource to help you move into a house that fits the demands of your current load. There’s always a house that works for what you need.