A new trend is reshaping the real estate market for retirees and empty nesters. Instead of selling the family home for a smaller condo, a growing number of affluent grandparents are doing the opposite: they are buying larger, more luxurious properties specifically to accommodate their grandchildren.
This shift is driven by a desire to create a central hub for family gatherings, transforming their homes into destinations with enough space and amenities to entice frequent, multi-day visits from their children and grandchildren. From sprawling suburban compounds to amenity-rich city apartments, this trend reflects a fundamental change in how older generations view their golden years.
Key Takeaways
- A significant number of affluent individuals in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are choosing to upsize their homes rather than downsize after their children leave.
- The primary motivation is to create comfortable, inviting spaces for their grandchildren and extended family to visit and stay for longer periods.
- This trend is occurring across the United States, in major cities, suburbs, and vacation destinations.
- Buyers are prioritizing properties with extra bedrooms, dedicated play areas, and amenities like swimming pools, movie theaters, and music rooms.
The End of the Empty Nest Narrative
For decades, the common path for empty nesters was to downsize. With children grown and gone, a large family home often seemed impractical. But for a certain segment of the market, that logic no longer applies. Real estate professionals across the country are observing a clear and growing pattern of grandparents actively seeking out more space, not less.
Zachary Harrison, a real estate agent with Compass in Westchester, New York, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. He reports that five years ago, perhaps only one in 30 of his clients were upsizing. Today, that figure has jumped to 20%.
"We used to show them townhouses and apartments with downsizing being the focus, but more recently, we are seeing that empty-nesters actually want bigger homes," Harrison said. "These are usually couples in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who have grandkids and a tremendous amount of wealth and want compounds with spaces for everyone."
This demographic isn't just seeking more square footage; they are investing in a lifestyle. Bolstered by a strong stock market and accumulated wealth, these buyers are making a deliberate choice to enhance their lives and family connections. As Harrison puts it, "They’re not retiring their life—they are upgrading it."
A Multi-Generational Investment
This trend goes beyond simple luxury. Developers are now creating entire communities with this buyer in mind. At Whitetail Club, a 1,300-acre estate in McCall, Idaho, a new expansion called Legacy Ranch features larger plots of land specifically for building spacious, compound-style homes designed to bring multiple generations together under one roof.
Urban Upgrades for Family Fun
The movement isn't confined to suburban estates. In dense urban environments like New York City, grandparents are trading up for larger apartments in buildings packed with family-friendly amenities.
More Room in Manhattan
Marcia and Sydney Kaufman lived in the same two-story Manhattan townhouse for Marcia's entire life. But as their family grew to include five granddaughters, their beloved home began to feel cramped during sleepovers. The den became a makeshift bedroom, and the living room was overrun with toys.
"It became clear that we needed more room to accommodate everyone," Marcia Kaufman explained. "We wanted the girls to feel like our home is theirs, too, and give them their own space."
The couple found their solution in a four-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath condo. The new building features a gym, a rooftop lounge, and, most importantly, a playroom. Now, their granddaughters have their own rooms for visits and a dedicated space for arts and crafts, leaving the main living areas uncluttered.
The Pull of Amenities: For urban grandparents, building amenities are a major draw. Playrooms, music centers, art rooms, and even ball pits can turn an apartment building into a playground for visiting grandchildren, making visits more frequent and enjoyable.
Larry Gerowitz and Dottie Lipski share a similar story. After more than two decades in a walk-up apartment on the Upper East Side, the logistics of hosting their son's family became challenging. "Lugging their strollers and other stuff up the stairs was a pain," Gerowitz said. They moved into an upscale building with a terrace, an art room, a music center, and a playroom. The result? Visits that once lasted a single night now extend for several days.
Expanding in the Suburbs and Beyond
Outside of major city centers, the trend takes the form of significant home expansions and purchases of larger properties. For these families, the goal is often to create a true family compound that serves as a central gathering point for holidays and vacations.
Ivan and Wendy Dubbs raised their children in a 3,000-square-foot home in Scarsdale, New York. Once grandchildren arrived, they upgraded to a 4,500-square-foot house in White Plains. Now, with five grandchildren, they are expanding again, nearly doubling their home's size to almost 8,000 square feet.
The more than $1 million addition will include four new bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large family room, and a new swimming pool. "We have the land and the means, and we want our house to be a hub for the family with designated space for everyone," Ivan Dubbs stated. He acknowledged the strategic nature of the investment: "If we have the room, the grandkids will have the incentive to come."
Vacation Homes as Family Magnets
The upsizing trend is also prominent in the vacation home market. Grandparents are purchasing large, amenity-filled properties in resort areas to create unforgettable family memories.
In Orlando, real estate broker Matt McKee has sold several ultra-luxury homes in Walt Disney World's Golden Oak neighborhood to grandparents. One recent sale was an $11 million home, complete with a movie theater and pool, purchased by a couple with seven grandchildren. "They are buying to live the Disney dream and give it to their grandkids," McKee said.
This desire to have everyone under one roof is a powerful motivator. Gail and John DeBoer, who own a property in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, upsized twice as their family grew. With seven grandchildren, they found themselves renting extra rooms to accommodate everyone. They recently moved into a 4,500-square-foot property to solve the problem.
"That’s not the same as being under one roof," Gail DeBoer said of their previous arrangements. "Now, everyone gathers in the kitchen for John’s waffles at breakfast, and the kids have dance parties."
For these families, the investment is not just in real estate, but in shared experiences. As DeBoer concluded, they are "making a lifetime of memories."