Over the last few years, one of the biggest shifts we have seen in the Central Indiana real estate market has nothing to do with interest rates or paint colors. It is a fundamental change in how families are choosing to live.

Multi-generational living is officially on the rise.

Whether it is aging parents moving in to help with childcare, young adults moving back home to save for their own down payment, or families combining resources to afford a larger luxury property, pooling households makes a lot of financial and logistical sense.

However, there is a catch. Finding a house that comfortably accommodates multiple generations without making everyone feel like they are living on top of each other is incredibly difficult. A standard four-bedroom suburban home rarely cuts it.

If you are exploring a multi-generational move in 2026, here is what you need to look for and how to navigate the Central Indiana market.

1. The True “Next Gen” Floor Plan

National and local builders have finally caught on to this trend, and we are starting to see more “Next Gen” or “multigenerational” floor plans pop up in new construction communities across Westfield, Noblesville, and Brownsburg.

• What to look for: A true multi-gen floor plan operates like a house within a house. It typically features a main living area for the primary family, plus an attached private suite with its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living room.
• The Benefit: These homes often have a separate exterior entrance, giving everyone ultimate privacy while still remaining under one roof.

2. The Walk-Out Basement Conversion

If you are looking at existing homes in established neighborhoods like Carmel or Zionsville, finding a purpose-built Next Gen home is rare. Instead, you need to look for properties with conversion potential.

• What to look for: A finished walk-out basement is the holy grail for multi-generational living. Unlike a standard basement, a walk-out provides natural light and a private exterior entrance.
• The Benefit: You can easily add a small kitchenette and a full bathroom to create a completely independent living quarters. When touring homes, we specifically look for basements already plumbed for a wet bar or extra bathroom to save you thousands of dollars in renovation costs.

3. Dual Primary Suites

For families who do not need a completely separate apartment but still want privacy and comfort, dual primary suites are an excellent compromise.

• What to look for: A home that features a large primary bedroom on the second floor and a second, equally impressive primary bedroom on the main floor.
• The Benefit: Main floor living is essential for aging parents who want to avoid stairs. An en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower ensures safety and comfort, while the rest of the family can occupy the upper level.

4. Navigating ADUs and Carriage Houses

Sometimes, the best solution is a separate structure on the same property, such as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a carriage house above a detached garage.

• What to look for: Homes on larger lots, particularly in areas like Washington Township, Meridian Heights, or the older sections of Fishers.
• The Catch: Zoning laws are the biggest hurdle here. Indianapolis has recently updated its zoning ordinances to make building ADUs easier, but many strict suburban HOAs still prohibit detached living quarters. You absolutely need an agent who knows how to read local zoning codes and HOA bylaws before you buy a property with the intent to build a secondary structure.

Join Our Multi-Gen Buyer Alert List

Because these homes are in such high demand and so rare to find, they rarely sit on the open market for long.

If your family is considering combining households in Central Indiana, you cannot rely on standard Zillow filters to find the right layout. At Bond Real Estate Co., we maintain a curated Multi-Gen Buyer Alert List. We manually filter through local listings to find properties with dual primary suites, walk-out basements, and true in-law quarters, sending them directly to you the moment they hit the market.

Reach out to us today, and let’s find a home that fits your entire family beautifully!

Mike Feldman – Team Lead

Bond Real Estate Co. at Compass

Email: mike.feldman@compass.com

Phone: (317) 965-5034