Thanks to Sydney out-of-control population growth, it has been predicted that multi-generational living will soon become the norm.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the majority of families will be living with three generations under one roof by 2031.
NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said that multi-generation living is ‘the way of the future’ as the population of NSW is expected to increase by 30 per cent in the next 20 years.
Multi-generational living will soon become the norm in NSW, a demographic analysis indicates
A new analysis constructed by state government demographers indicates that the population increase is largely due to people living longer.
The average male life expectancy is now 80, as opposed to the 1950s when men were only expected to live until the age of 67.
Mr Roberts explained that there will be a 67 per cent increase in the 65+ age group thanks to people’s healthy and active lifestyles.
‘While that is a testament t o our healthcare services…it certainly shapes the next 20 years and defines what services we will need,’ he said.
The average life expectancy has increased by 67 per cent due to healthier and active lifestyles
The current trend is for young people to live in apartments closer to the city centre while older people are living in the suburbs, mostly in free-standing homes.
This trend points to a gap in the housing market – a lack of low-rise, medium-sized homes that allow dual occupancy, according to the demographic analysis.
Mr Roberts terms this gap the ‘Missing Middle’ and highlights the importance of diversifying housing in the next two decades.
‘Well-designed, medium density is how we will accommodate multiple generations living under one roof,’ he said. ‘
NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts (left) says that multi-generational living is ‘the way of the future’, while Greater Sydney Commission chief executive Sarah Hill (right) explained that the ‘right infrastructure’ is being put in place to handle the ongoing population boom in NSW
It is expected that by 2036, NSW will have 2.2 million more people than it has now in 2017
Meanwhile, Greater Sydney Commission chief executive Sarah Hill said that Sydneysiders need reassurance that the ‘right infrastructure’ was being put in place to handle population growth.
Ms Hill also said that along with increased population density comes more jobs and more houses – but also more difficult questions.
‘[Questions like] where do you want your children or grandchildren to live? Do you want them nearby for when you are old and need support? Where do you want them to find good jobs?’ she said.
The Department of Planning expects 180,000 new houses to be built within the next five years
It is expected that by 2036, NSW will have an extra 2.2 million people, and the Department of Planning expects 180,000 new houses to be built in Sydney in the next five years.
Suburbs slated to receive the most new homes are Haymarket, Mascot, Zetland and Roseberry.