Multi-Generational Living in Central Arkansas | In-Law Suites, ADUs, & Universal Design

The New Normal: Three (or More) Generations Under One Roof

Across the U.S., multi-generational living has surged from a niche arrangement to a mainstream strategy for affordability, caregiving, and lifestyle fit. Pew Research shows the share of people in multi-generational households more than doubled from 7% in 1971 to 18% in 2021—a structural shift that continued through the 2020s. Pew Research Center

Closer to home, Central Arkansas families—from Cabot and Maumelle to North Little Rock and Bryant—are blending households to manage costs, reduce child-care and elder-care stress, and keep support systems close. For agents, builders, and homeowners, the question isn’t if this trend matters; it’s how to design, finance, and market homes that truly work for multiple generations.

Why Multi-Gen Makes Sense Right Now

• Affordability & wealth building. First-time buyer shares fell nationally in 2024 as high prices and rates challenged entry—pushing more families to pool resources or postpone solo purchases. MarketWatch+1

• Caregiving & aging-in-place. AARP reports ~75% of adults 50+ want to remain in their homes and communities, making proximity to family and adaptable housing a priority. AARP+1

• Lifestyle flexibility. Younger adults (25–29) remain the most likely to live in multi-gen households—often for education, savings, or life transitions—creating steady demand for flexible layouts. Pew Research Center

What Today’s Multi-Gen Buyers Are Actually Buying

Recent NAR research highlights record interest in multi-gen purchases and identifies who is leading the trend: Gen-X (the “sandwich generation”) and younger boomers managing both kids and parents. National Association of REALTORS®+1

Top property features our Central Arkansas clients ask for:

1. A true second suite

   • Bedroom + full bath on main level

   • Optional sitting area or micro-kitchen

   • Private exterior entry (ideal for autonomy)

2. Zoned privacy

   • Split-bedroom plans; sound-attenuating doors

   • Separate living spaces (loft, den, or bonus over garage)

3. Universal design elements

   • Zero-step entries, 36" doors, lever handles

   • Curbless showers, blocking for future grab bars, adequate turning radii

   • Lighting, contrast, and intuitive controls (great for kids and grandparents) College of Design+1

4. Future-proof infrastructure

   • Pre-plumbed kitchenette lines, sub-panel capacity for an ADU, wider hallway rough-ins

   • Laundry hookups on main level

Designing Right: Code, Accessibility & Universal Design

• Fair Housing Act (FHA) Design & ConstructionMultifamily (covered units) must meet FHA accessibility requirements; single-family isn’t covered—but borrowing best practices improves safety and resale. Use the HUD Design Manual as your north star for accessible routes, clearances, and bathroom details. HUD User+2NAHB+2

• Universal Design (UD)UD goes beyond minimum compliance to make spaces usable by as many people as possible—regardless of age or ability. Start with the seven principles (equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, perceptible info, tolerance for error, low effort, appropriate size/space) and translate them into your floor plan and spec sheet. College of Design+1

Arkansas application tip: In Cabot, Maumelle, and around Pulaski/Saline/Lonoke counties, most single-family neighborhoods will allow in-home suites; detached ADUs may require case-by-case review. Always verify local zoning (setbacks, lot coverage, parking) before promising a detached unit.

Financing the Vision: How Families Make Multi-Gen Pencil Out

• Combine down payment sources. Multi-gen buyers often mix savings, equity from a parent’s home sale, and assistance programs. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) provides down-payment assistance paired with certain first mortgages—useful for households consolidating or upsizing. Arkansas Development Finance Authority+1

• Leverage equity for renovations. If you’re adding a suite or converting space, remember: mortgage interest on funds used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home may be deductible—confirm with your CPA. IRS+1

• Builder conversations. Ask for structural options during plan stage: zero-entry, wider doors, shower blocking, a stacked-closet chase for future elevator, or rough-ins for a kitchenette. These are far cheaper in pre-drywall than later.

Renovating for Multi-Gen: A Practical Scope & Sequence

Phase 1: Life-Safety & Access

• Zero-step entry (front, garage, or side), improved exterior lighting

• Wider interior doors (ideally 36"), lever handles, low-profile thresholds

Phase 2: Bath & Bedroom

• Curbless shower, handheld sprayer, non-slip tile

• Blocking in walls for future grab bars; comfort-height toilet

Phase 3: Kitchenette & Laundry

• 240V or gas stub (if needed), GFCI, dedicated circuit for microwave/induction

• Venting and clear counter workspace; stackable W/D in closet if space allows

Phase 4: Privacy & Comfort

• Sound-control at suite door, separate thermostat/smart controls

• Visual privacy (landscaping, window treatments) and safe egress

Document the upgrades (photos + receipts). When selling, market the use cases (caregiving, college-return, rental flexibility) rather than just the specs.

New Construction vs. Retrofit: Which Path Fits Your Family?

• New Build (Maumelle, Bryant, NLR growth corridors).

  Pros: Clean slate for UD and suites, energy efficiency, warranty.

  Cons: Lot premiums/HOA rules, timing.Best for: Families wanting long-term flexibility and predictable maintenance.

  
  

• Retrofit (Cabot, Park Hill, Lakewood)

  Pros: Established neighborhoods, mature trees, location.

  Cons: Structural surprises, stair management, bathroom sizes.Best for: Households prioritizing schools, commute, and budget over brand-new finishes.

Marketing & Resale: How to Position a Multi-Gen Home

Agents and sellers should lead with outcomes:

• “Main-level suite with zero-step entry for extended family or guests.”

• “Pre-wired kitchenette rough-in—easy to finish.”

• “Universal-design primary bath: curbless shower + blocking installed.”

• “Split-bedroom layout; sound-attenuated doors for privacy.”

NAR’s 2025 insights show demand is broadening across age bands; positioning for multi-gen widens your buyer pool and can reduce time on market. National Association of REALTORS®+1

FAQs

Q1. What’s the difference between an “in-law suite” and an ADU?

An in-law suite is inside or attached to the main house; an ADU is a separate dwelling (often with its own entrance and utilities). Check city zoning before planning a detached ADU.

Q2. Are there incentives for making a home accessible/efficient in Arkansas?For energy upgrades, Entergy Arkansas offers assessments and rebates on core measures (insulation, duct sealing, smart thermostats). Accessibility incentives vary; check local programs and federal tax credits for qualified improvements. AARP+1

Q3. Will universal design hurt the look of my home?No. UD is about invisible usability—clean lines, better lighting, wider clearances—features today’s buyers appreciate regardless of age. College of Design

Q4. How do we talk about this without stigmatizing aging?Lead with autonomy, privacy, and flexibility. The market reward is clear: more buyers can see themselves in the home—now and later. Data Stories

What This Means for Central Arkansas

1. Plan for permanence. If you’re building in Maumelle/Bryant or remodeling in Lakewood/Park Hill, select a plan that can “live single-level” on day one.

2. Spec the suite right. Bedroom + full bath on main, zero-entry, blocking, and a legitimate sitting nook.

3. Future-proof utilities. Electrical sub-panel capacity, plumbing stubs, and HVAC zoning save thousands later.

4. Document everything. Create a simple “Accessibility & Energy Features” sheet for your listing.

5. Explore financing early. Evaluate ADFA assistance for qualifying buyers; coordinate with your lender and CPA on improvement-related deductions. Arkansas Development Finance Authority+

   
   

Sources & Further Reading

• Pew Research Center — Demographics of multigenerational households. Pew Research Center

• Pew Research Center — Why adults live in multigenerational homes. Pew Research Center

• AARP — 2024 Home & Community Preferences Survey (press + report). AARP+1

• NAR — Generational Trends & economist posts on multigenerational buying. National Association of REALTORS®+3National Association of REALTORS®+3National Association of REALTORS®+3

• HUD — Fair Housing Act Design Manual (accessibility standards for covered multifamily). HUD User

• Federal Register — FHA design & construction safe harbors (context). Federal Register

• Center for Universal Design — Seven Principles (NC State). College of Design+1

• AARP — Research insights & multi-age community resources. AARP+2AARP+2

• ADFA — Homeownership & Down-Payment Assistance (Arkansas). Arkansas Development Finance Authority+1

• IRS Publication 936 — Home mortgage interest rules for buy/build/improve. IRS+1

Let’s Make a REALESTATEMENT

If you’re considering a multi-generational move—or retrofitting your home to keep family closer—let’s map a plan that works for your budget, timeline, and lifestyle in Cabot, Maumelle, North Little Rock, Bryant, Conway, and beyond.

Christy Robinson, Executive Broker — Keller Williams Realty

📞 (501) 830-7079 | 📧 christy.robinson@kw.com