India's housing is shifting toward multigenerational living. Developers like Gopalan Enterprises now design smart.
Mr. C. Prabhakar, Director of Gopalan Enterprise
India’s housing landscape is undergoing a subtle yet profound shift. While compact nuclear family units once dominated urban real estate demand, a growing wave of multigenerational living is reshaping developer strategies across cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Chennai. Driven by both cultural tradition and economic pragmatism, joint-family homes - once considered passé - are now finding favour again as buyers look for living spaces that support togetherness without compromising on privacy. As home prices climb steadily - projected to rise by 6–7 percent in major metros this year - and rents outpace even that growth, pooling resources to invest in a single, spacious family home is becoming an increasingly practical and strategic choice, driven not by nostalgia but by deeper socio-economic shifts: an aging population, the rise of dual-income households, and a renewed reliance on intergenerational support systems.
Developers are taking note. The post-pandemic period, which placed renewed emphasis on wellness, caregiving, and home functionality, has fuelled this transition. “The conversations we’re having with homebuyers today are very different from what they were five or even three years ago,” shares Mr. Prabhakar, Director of Gopalan Enterprises, India's fastest growing real estate developer. “People are seeking permanence, a sense of rootedness. It’s no longer just about buying a flat - it’s about investing in a shared future for the entire family.”
This evolution has led to a rethinking of not just size, but spatial logic. Instead of simply scaling up unit sizes, developers are creating layered designs where common spaces blend seamlessly with private corners. “A home must now accommodate different generations with differing routines and expectations,” explains Prabhakar. “We’re increasingly designing with separate lounges, dual kitchens, or segmented floor plans that allow grandparents to have their quiet spaces while children and working adults carry on with their activities undisturbed.”
Affordability remains a defining factor, especially in urban metros where real estate values continue to climb. The challenge for developers is to pack more flexibility into every square foot. “In the mid-market segment, we’re looking at creative solutions like semi-open rooms that can double as study areas, elder bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, or alcoves that can become prayer rooms or work-from-home zones,” says Prabhakar. “Buyers aren’t just looking for luxury; they’re looking for utility that adapts to life’s changing phases.”
The premium segment, on the other hand, is leaning into bespoke comfort. High-ceiling duplexes, extended balconies with garden pods, and sound-insulated partitions are just some of the features emerging to support multigenerational needs. Developers are also taking cues from hospitality, offering concierge-like services, in-house wellness programs, and multi-tier security that appeals to families with both children and aging parents.
But the home is only one part of the equation. The surrounding environment plays a crucial role in sustaining the multigenerational way of life. “Our communities are being designed to encourage gentle intermingling,” says Prabhakar. “You’ll find book corners near kids’ play zones, seating areas along jogging tracks where seniors can pause and connect, and communal courtyards that spark conversations across generations.”
Accessibility isn’t an afterthought - it’s foundational. From handrail-equipped entrances to elevators with voice prompts and wheelchair-friendly layouts, inclusivity is being hardwired into new developments. “We want our residents to grow with the home, not grow out of it,” he emphasizes.
In a country as diverse and relationship-driven as India, multigenerational living is not a fleeting real estate trend - it’s a cultural reality that’s being reclaimed with modern sensibility. As families rediscover the value of living - and growing - together, the industry’s most forward-looking developers are listening. As Mr. Prabhakar aptly puts it, “We’re designing not just for today’s family, but for tomorrow’s legacy.”
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
