Multigenerational living is having a resurgence. Once seen as an old-fashioned approach, it’s now a modern answer to big challenges like high housing costs, urban population growth, and caring for aging relatives. Today, we explore a popular option for multigenerational living like a 6 plex—a type of small apartment building with six independent homes on one property. This layout lets families live close while maintaining their own space. The sixplex is much more than just practical—it’s helping reshuffle how families live together and tackle housing needs in vibrant city neighborhoods.
In this piece, we’ll dive into why sixplexes are catching on in places like Vancouver. You’ll see what sets them apart from other homes, how they benefit families and cities, issues to think about, and practical advice for anyone curious about this lifestyle.
What Is a Sixplex, and Why Are People Talking About It?
At its most basic, a sixplex is a low-rise building on one lot, split into six separate homes. Sometimes all six are in one building, and other times they’re grouped in a small cluster. Each home has its own private entrance and usually comes with all the basics like a kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
This housing style is becoming more popular as home prices rise and city population density grows. Many families—older adults, parents, children, even aunts and uncles—want to live close but still keep their independence. In busy cities like Vancouver, policies have started supporting more types of multi-unit buildings. This shift makes sixplexes an appealing, realistic solution that brings together good neighbors, city living, and family closeness.
Why Multigenerational Living Is On the Rise
Years ago, living with parents or grandparents was normal, but as the single-family home became the “ideal,” relatives started living farther apart. Today, soaring house prices and growing needs for family care are bringing generations back under one roof—or rather, onto one property.
Multigenerational homes can reduce housing costs, make caring for older relatives easier, and build closer bonds. Sixplexes boost these benefits by offering:
- Individual units for privacy
- Shared space outside or in common areas to connect
- Flexible layouts to fit families of all sizes
People find sixplexes a happy medium—they bring the community feel of apartments, but with the cozy privacy that families want. They also help neighborhoods hold onto their charm while gently adding more homes in the same space.
What Makes the Sixplex Special for Families
Balanced Layouts for Life Together and Apart
Sixplexes shine because every household gets its own complete space—no sharing bathrooms or crowding into common kitchens unless you want to. These homes often have mirrored layouts or repeating designs, which helps builders keep costs reasonable. The six-unit format often fits more comfortably on city lots, and it offers more manageable choices than very large or oddly sized complexes.
Financial Smartness
Homeowners can live in one of the units and rent out the others. This rent can help pay the mortgage or cover maintenance costs. This housing model works especially well in cities where condos and detached homes are both expensive. Building or buying a sixplex also opens the door to big returns for those willing to be both family hosts and smart investors.
Neighborhood Harmony
A sixplex looks more like a large home from the street than a high-rise apartment. This kind of building fits seamlessly into neighborhoods that previous only had detached houses, gently increasing the number of homes without making the area feel busier. With proper planning, there is still room for gardens, trees, and family gatherings.
Multi-Generational Housing Compared
Let’s look at several common housing types for large or extended families. Each has strengths and limitations:
| Housing Type | How It Works | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family with suite | An extra apartment within the house | Usually more affordable | One or two extra spaces, not ideal for big families |
| Duplex to Quadplex | Two to four units,usually stacked or side-by-side | Good for two families, some rental optionality | Fewer units for people who want multiple households |
| Sixplex | Six fully separate homes | Efficient to build, great for independence | More upfront money and financing required, city approvals needed |
| Large Apartments | Big complexes with many homes | Lots of housing in one site | Less connected with nature and neighbors |
In short, sixplexes land between the privacy of a big house and the bustling feel of apartments. They keep families close but not crowded, let people pool costs, and stay true to the neighborhood’s look and rhythm.
The Challenges — and Opportunities — of Sixplex Life
Every home style comes with its pros and cons, and the sixplex is no different.
Challenges Families Face:
- Cost to Build: Many cities charge fees for denser buildings, and building six separate homes (even under one roof) isn’t cheap. Getting financing is possible, but it takes good planning.
- Zoning: Not every city lets homeowners build sixplexes yet. Permits and city plans need to catch up with housing demand.
- Design Details: Families will want strong noise-reducing walls and thoughtful layouts. Privacy is key, and small missteps can make homes feel less peaceful.
Who Stands to Gain:
- Cities in need: As the demand for homes rises, sixplexes give cities room to grow without needing full-scale high-rise towers.
- Aging Families: Seniors can live independently but safely, next door to their family who can stop by anytime.
- Homeowners: Those who own and live in a sixplex can count on rental income while making their own lives easier.
Tips for Those Considering a Sixplex
- Start with Family Conversations: Decide what level of privacy and togetherness works best for your group, whether you have seniors, young adults, or small children in mind.
- Know Your Local Rules: Before making any moves, call your city or consult an architect or builder who knows local zoning details. Some areas have ready-made plans for sixplex loans or permits, but others have limitations.
- Think Through Layouts: Don’t skimp on things like private outdoor areas, quiet insulation, or multiple entrance ways—these little investments go a long way for long-term happiness.
- Plan the Finances: Mortgage lenders may have special guidelines for sixplexes. Factor in taxes, shared maintenance, and possible income from renters.
- Consult the Experts: Choose designers, planners, and builders familiar with multi-unit family living. A good team can help future-proof your space for all generations.
Living in a sixplex offers a chance to rethink what family, neighbors, and homes can mean in modern cities. You get the freedom two live independently, share responsibilities, look out for one another, and save money—often without giving up outdoor space or the look of your neighborhood.
Cities searching for solutions to housing shortages and aging populations are starting to see the sixplex as a powerful new model. For families that want connection and privacy at once, especially with changing urban realities, the sixplex is set to grow. It blends comfort, community, and cost effectiveness with a vision of family lasting for generations.
Are you interested in what makes sixplexes work so well in places like Vancouver and beyond? Look into articles and real-world examples offered by experts who build and study these innovative homes. They offer a window into a new—and very old—way to thrive together.
