What Is a Mother Daughter House? (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageMy family is close-knit, so it is no surprise that I always want my mother near me. Because of the benefits, I opted for a “mother-daughter home” instead of reserving a room for my mum or having her live
on the same street. You may have encountered the term “mother-daughter house” in real estate. But what is that, exactly?
A mother-daughter house is simply a property designed to accommodate multiple generations of a family for senior living. These homes typically feature separate living areas for parents and children. They also have shared common spaces and family rooms. This is a unique living situation for older adults.
Defining a Mother-Daughter House
A mother-daughter house is an accessory dwelling unit with two separate living spaces within a single structure. Usually, one living area is larger and serves as the main space. The second area is smaller and meant for a loved one. With this setup, I can live with my parents without feeling crowded. My parents do not limit her freedom or privacy.
In our mother-daughter house, each living space has its entrance, a separate kitchen, bathroom, and living area, affording us our personal space and privacy. It is much better than an ensuite room for Mum in my house because she gets to run her own home, and I also get to run things as I see fit in my space.
Proximity enables us to offer each other when needed.
The mother-daughter house is the perfect solution for keeping my mum close without feeling overwhelmed by her presence in my space. Her living quarters afford her the independence an adult requires, making it easy for me to care for her. The space is also sizeable enough for my mother to manage without overwhelming her.
Pros and cons of having a mother-daughter house
There are both pros and cons to having a mother-daughter house. On the one hand, having a parent or parents around can be incredibly convenient, especially when it comes to childcare. Similarly, as
older parents, sometimes children can be nearby as caregivers for the parents. Additionally, living close to your family offers numerous emotional benefits, including providing support and comfort during challenging times.
However, there are also some potential downsides to having a mother-daughter house. For one thing, living in close quarters may mean you lack some privacy. Plus, when dividing a place between two generations, each generation sacrifices some living space for the greater good of being together.
There are many examples in Queens, NY.
Advantages of Living in a Mother-Daughter House
There are so many benefits to having my mother around. Here are a few reasons why I cherish living in a mother-daughter house.
Companionship
I see my mum whenever I feel like it because she lives next door. The short distance between our homes has strengthened our relationship, as I can visit her at any time. We talk over meals, make plans, and schedule around each other.
Seeing her within the property daily gives me immense peace because I can confirm she is okay. This adds to our good quality of life.
Security
When traveling, we can rely on each other to protect the house. I check on my mother to make sure she is okay. She is older, and I know she feels safer with me nearby in case she needs help.
Support
My mother and I appreciate the emotional support and fellowship that come with living under one roof. Because of our shared values, our love and trust have grown tremendously. We continue to work on our relationship by refining our communication, adjusting expectations, prioritizing empathy, fostering mutual respect, and respecting personal boundaries.
Health Care & Opportunity to Care
My mother has me by her side all the time, and I am not just her daughter but her friend as well. My presence in her life extends beyond caring for her physical needs; we form a deep emotional bond. Therefore, we provide her with all-around care as family caregivers.
How to make mother-daughter housework for you
When two generations live together, bonding and creating lasting memories can be a great opportunity. However, it is also essential to set boundaries to avoid conflict.
Before moving in, discuss finances and decide who will be responsible for specific costs. It is also essential to establish clear ground rules regarding personal space and privacy. Once you have established these boundaries, you can enjoy all the benefits of living under one roof.
A mother-daughter house can be a great place to call home. You can share meals and spend time talking together. It’s nice to have someone to rely on when you need help.
Are permits required for mother-daughter?
In recent years, local towns have been allowing single-family homes for adult children and their aging parents.
Local zoning boards often give special permits for mother-daughter homes. Large families have unique needs that may not be met by the rules for a single-family home.
Another critical aspect of mother-daughter situations is that they cannot be rented out.
Legally, the house is a one-family dwelling. That’s because the certificate of occupancy for the building classifies it as a single-family dwelling. (If the C of O is for a two—or multi-unit building, the house wouldn’t be referred to as a mother/daughter.)
The permits needed for these unique houses can vary by town or city. Some requirements might include building code regulations, fire safety codes, or driveway regulations.
Local permits are a standard part of building a compliant mother-daughter house. This is true no matter the requirements or conditions.
What To Do If You Want A Mother-Daughter House
A mother-daughter house is an excellent option for anyone who wants to live with their mother and still maintain some independence. Ensure your relationship with your mother is strong enough before moving in together. This will help you handle any challenges.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
