Why we built this
We're a family in the middle of this question — not the other side of it. An adult child who has been renting for seven years, watching a large portion of her income disappear into someone else's investment. A parent who owns a home with an underused lower floor and is thinking seriously about what the next chapter looks like. A partner who hasn't fully said yes yet but is asking the right questions.
When we sat down and ran the actual numbers — properly, not just rough estimates — the financial case was stronger than we expected. It also raised questions we hadn't thought through: how equity gets divided fairly, what happens if circumstances change, what needs to be in writing before anyone moves in.
We built the calculator we wish had existed. And then we wrote the articles that would have saved us weeks of research.
What this site is
A practical financial resource for families considering multigenerational living. The calculator models your specific situation — monthly savings, equity positions, break-even on conversion costs — so you can have a grounded conversation rather than a speculative one.
The articles cover the financial structures, the legal questions, the real costs of conversion work, and the personal dimension that spreadsheets don't capture. We try to be honest about when the numbers don't work, not just when they do.
What this site is not
We're not architects. We're not builders. We're not solicitors or financial advisors. Nothing on this site constitutes legal or financial advice, and you should always consult qualified professionals before entering into any property arrangement.
We also don't have advertising relationships with any of the mortgage lenders, legal services, or builders whose ads may appear on the site. The editorial content is independent.
A note on the numbers
The calculator uses your inputs to model your specific situation. The default values are calibrated for a typical US metro market, but every field is editable. The outputs are illustrative — they show what the arrangement could look like based on the assumptions you enter, not a guarantee of what will happen.
Property appreciation rates, mortgage terms, and tax implications vary significantly by location and individual circumstance. Always verify the key numbers with a professional before making decisions.