Multigenerational Homes in Palm Beach County: Next-Gen Suites, In-Law Units and ADUs

Multigenerational homes are houses built or adapted so two or more adult generations can live under one roof and still keep some privacy. In Palm Beach County and Port St. Lucie, that usually means one of three setups: a next-gen suite inside the main house, an in-law wing with its own entry, or a separate cottage on the same lot. This guide explains each type, what local codes allow, where to look, and how these homes tend to hold value when you sell.

Key takeaways

• NAR's 2025 Generational Trends Report found that 17% of recent buyers purchased a multigenerational home. Among Gen X buyers, the share was 21%.
• Cost savings was the top reason, cited by 36% of those buyers. Caring for aging parents came next at 25%.
• In unincorporated Palm Beach County, one accessory quarters unit with a kitchen is allowed by right next to an owner-occupied home, capped at 800 square feet on lots under an acre.
• Cities such as Wellington, Westlake and Port St. Lucie write their own rules, and HOAs can add limits. Confirm both before you buy.
• Some national builders sell home-within-a-home plans with a private entry and kitchenette.

Why buyers want multigenerational homes

Families combine households for practical reasons. According to the National Association of Realtors 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, 17% of recent buyers bought a home meant to house adult children, parents or grandparents. Gen X buyers were the most likely group at 21%, followed by younger boomers at 15%.

The reasons are telling. In that same report, 36% of these buyers cited cost savings. Another 25% said they wanted to care for aging parents, and 21% said adult children were moving back home. So the demand comes from both directions: grown kids who cannot afford to move out, and parents who need help nearby.

In South Florida, that pressure is easy to understand. In August 2026, the Palm Beach County single-family median was $650,000, according to Miami Realtors. Pooling two incomes or two sets of savings can make that price more reachable for a family.

Common floor plans in multigenerational homes

Not every layout gives the same level of privacy. Before you tour, decide how separate each generation needs to be. Here are the main types you will see in local listings.

Next-gen suite inside the house

This is a home within a home. Lennar, for example, describes its Next Gen plan as a suite with a separate entrance, a kitchenette, a living area, a bedroom or multi-use room, and a bathroom. Because the suite shares a roof and utilities with the main house, it is usually simpler to permit than a detached unit. Availability changes by community, so ask the builder which models offer it.

In-law wing or first-floor guest suite

Many resale homes have a bedroom and full bath on one side of the house, sometimes with a sitting room. This works well for a parent who needs one-level living. However, it often lacks a kitchen or separate entry. As a result, it gives less independence than a true suite.

Detached cottage or accessory unit

Larger lots, especially in rural and equestrian areas, may have a separate cottage. This gives the most privacy. On the other hand, detached units face the strictest zoning rules, and they can raise insurance and upkeep costs. Our post on whether an in-law suite adds value looks at that tradeoff in detail.

Local ADU rules that shape multigenerational homes

Florida law lets cities and counties allow accessory dwelling units, but it does not force them to. Under section 163.31771 of the Florida Statutes, an accessory dwelling unit is a secondary living unit with its own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area, either in the same building or on the same lot as the main home. Local governments may adopt ordinances allowing them in single-family zones.

Unincorporated Palm Beach County

The county's Unified Land Development Code treats a second living space in two ways. First, an "accessory quarters" unit is a complete living space with a kitchen. One is allowed by right with a single-family home, townhouse or zero lot line home, as long as the owner lives in the main house. Second, a "guest cottage" is sleeping space for non-paying guests, and it may not have a kitchen.

Both share the same size limits. On a lot under one acre, the unit can be up to 800 square feet. On one acre or more, it can reach 1,000 square feet. Also, neither may have separate utility meters, so the main home and the unit share service.

Wellington, Westlake and Port St. Lucie

These rules apply only outside city limits. Wellington, Westlake and Port St. Lucie each have their own zoning codes, so the county limits above do not carry over. For instance, Port St. Lucie's zoning code governs accessory uses and structures within the city. Therefore, call each city's planning and zoning office with the parcel number before you plan a conversion.

Also check the HOA. Many newer master-planned communities limit additions, detached structures and rentals through their covenants, even when the city would allow them.

Where to find multigenerational homes locally

Where you search depends on the layout you want. Here is how the three areas named most often by our buyers compare.

• Westlake: a newer city in central Palm Beach County built around new construction. Builder floor plans here are the most likely source of first-floor suites and flexible layouts. Browse options on our Westlake page.
• Wellington: known for larger lots and equestrian estates in some areas. Those parcels are where detached guest houses and casitas show up most often in resale listings.
• Port St. Lucie: a large and growing city in St. Lucie County with many new communities. Its single-family median was $402,500 in August 2026, well below Palm Beach County, which can leave room in the budget for a bigger plan.

When you search the MLS, try terms such as "in-law suite," "guest suite," "next gen," "casita" and "separate entrance." Listing agents describe these spaces in many different ways.

New construction vs. resale for multigenerational homes

Both routes can work. The right one depends on your timeline, your budget and how much privacy you need.

• New construction: the suite is designed in from the start, permits are handled by the builder, and systems are new. However, lot sizes may be smaller, and HOA rules are often strict. Our guide to the new construction buying process explains contracts and deposits.
• Resale: you may find larger lots and existing guest houses. Still, confirm that any converted garage or cottage was permitted. An unpermitted kitchen can cause trouble with insurance, appraisal and resale.

Do multigenerational homes hold their resale value?

A well-built suite can widen your pool of buyers, since families, home office workers and owners who host long visits may all want one. Yet the value depends on how easily the space can be used another way. A suite that works as a primary bedroom or office is easy to sell. A cramped garage conversion without permits is not.

Keep these points in mind if resale matters to you:

1. Pull permits for any conversion or addition, and keep the final inspection records.
2. Choose flexible layouts that can serve as a guest room, office or private suite later.
3. Ask your agent for recent sales of similar homes with and without suites before you pay a premium.
4. Remember that a second kitchen may conflict with zoning or HOA rules in some areas.

Questions to settle before you buy together

Buying with family is as much a money decision as a housing one. So talk through the hard parts before you sign a contract. Families who skip this step often run into trouble years later, when someone wants to move or a parent passes away.

• Whose name goes on the title? Owning jointly, owning alone, or using a trust each has different tax, homestead and estate effects.
• Who pays what? Agree on how the mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA dues and repairs will be split.
• What happens if someone leaves? Write down how a buyout would work and how the home would be valued.
• Who qualifies for the loan? A lender will look at every borrower's income and credit, so plan who applies.
• What about care needs later? Think about grab bars, wider doors and a no-step entry now, since they cost less to plan than to retrofit.

Because these choices affect taxes and inheritance, talk with an estate attorney and a tax professional before closing. A written agreement among family members can also prevent hard feelings down the road.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a multigenerational home?

NAR defines it as a home that will house adult siblings, adult children, parents or grandparents. In practice, buyers look for multigenerational homes with a private suite, separate entry or second living area.

Can I build an ADU in Palm Beach County?

In unincorporated areas, one accessory quarters unit with a kitchen is allowed by right with an owner-occupied home, within size limits. Inside a city, the city's own code and your HOA rules apply.

Can I rent out an in-law suite?

It depends on local rules and your HOA. The county guest cottage, for example, is for non-paying guests only. Check zoning before you sign a lease.

Do builders in Florida offer next-gen floor plans?

Yes, some national builders market home-within-a-home designs. Which communities include them changes often, so confirm with the sales office.

Are multigenerational homes more expensive to insure?

They can be, mainly when there is a detached unit or a second kitchen. Ask your agent for insurance quotes on the specific property before your inspection period ends.

Sources

• NAR, 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report
• Florida Statutes, s. 163.31771 accessory dwelling units
• Palm Beach County ULDC, Article 4 use regulations
• Lennar, Next Gen home within a home
• Miami Realtors, Palm Beach County August 2026 market report
• Miami Realtors, St. Lucie County August 2026 market report

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Zoning and HOA rules change, so confirm details with the local planning office and a licensed professional.

Selling to move the family under one roof? Get a free home value report to see what your current home could bring. If you are buying, a Pure Equity agent can give you a new construction vs. resale comparison for homes with suites. Contact our team.