Communities of different generations living close to each other or in the same household is generally considered to be a traditional custom of far-flung countries. But property developers in Australia are increasingly seeing families buying properties close together, in a sign that multigenerational communities are becoming common practice here.

Recent research by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) revealed that one in five Australians live in households with more than one generation of related adults.

Affordability pressures, the rise of the working family, and taking care of aging parents are all contributing to multigenerational communities emerging as a common theme in new masterplanned developments.

Developers of new housing estates are seeing many families purchasing properties next door or close to one another.

A case in point is the sold-out third stage of Cedar Woods’ Clayton South development, Jackson Green, where 29-year-old customer data analyst and first-home-buyer Henry Mok purchased a three-bedroom townhouse with partner Christine Chau, 29, two doors down from his parents.

“I was looking to purchase my first home with my partner and at the same time my parents were looking to downsize,” said Mok.

“We decided to look for housing together so I can look after my parents as they get older and they can provide childcare once we have kids. We signed our contracts on the same day."

Mok was referred to Jackson Green through his partner’s sister, who also purchased in stage three.

“Jackson Green had all the lifestyle elements my parents and I were looking for, including well-sized three bedroom townhouses, access to transport, and access to a central park,” said Mok.

“Having my sister-in-law purchasing into Jackson Green was definitely a positive influence on our decision,” he said.

“People want to feel more connected to their families to provide care and ease of access," says Cedar Woods Victoria and Queensland State Manager Nathan Blackburne. 

"Large-scale masterplanned developments such as Jackson Green provide these opportunities within tightly-held residential neighbourhoods,” he said. 

The Cedar Woods third sales release was the fastest selling ever.

“The sales success of Jackson Green demonstrates the family-focus of the community,” said Blackburne.

“Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs have typically been a catchment for both young and established families, and by providing new housing stock close to transport links Jackson Green has been able to provide an accessible entry point,” he says. 

At Cedar Woods’ St Albans development, 33-year-old community worker Tafere Bezabih purchased a three-bedroom townhouse to live in with his partner and primary-school aged children. Bezabih’s sister, 35, purchased the townhouse next door.

“It’s important to have family and community links - having family and friends close to each other means getting more support and having more social time,” he says.

Cedar Woods has brought forward the release of Jackson Green stage five in response to strong demand. The current release, titled the Boulevard Collection, includes 12 large four-bedroom townhomes, each of which occupies a generous block.

Jackson Green, with its leafy, tree-lined streets and large backyards, is designed to replicate communities of Melbourne's eastern suburbs. “Jackson Green’s 4,000 square metres of open space is designed for residents to embrace their community and the lifestyle of the south east,” said Blackburne.

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