Inside the renovation trick that could help sell your family house in 2025

A Camp Hill family’s house was expanded to fit multigenerational needs – and with a rising cost of living crisis, it may be the key to selling their home for the best price.

Phil and Maria Horton built their home two decades ago for their family; and when they renovated it over the pandemic, they knew the home would have to change to fit their and their kids’ needs.

“There was always a bedroom downstairs, but it was tiny,” Mr Horton said. “[Now], there’s a queen sized bedroom, there’s a rumpus area with its own TV, and it moves out to the pool. There’s still a kitchen there with an oven and a refrigerator – it’s a good space on its own.”

Phil Horton and wife Maria, their son Oscar and his partner Katherine O’Dougherty, and their son Dimitri with their dog Bo. The Horton’s home was built decades ago, but renovated to fit multigenerational living needs. Picture: Liam Kidston

The five-bedroom house at 97 Bundah St was expanded to feature more space for their kids, including their son Oscar and his partner Katherine.

The change began in 2020, when Covid-19 pandemic forced many families into the same space for months at a time – with the later cost of living crisis seeing more young Aussies remain at home to save on rent.

“The boys have grown older and Oscar’s girlfriend, she’s been part of the scene for the last couple of years,” Mr Horton said. “You can sometimes hear them when they’re here, but it’s so convenient for them – you don’t know whether they’re here or not.”

97 Bundah St, Camp Hill. Oscar and Katherine live on the lower floor, which is built to feel like they have their own place while staying with family.

Oscar told the Courier Mail he spent at least half his time living in the downstairs space with his partner, using the time to save for a house of their own.

“As I’ve grown older, that downstairs area has turned into a kind of sanctuary,” he said. “Being able to live at home and save allowed me to live the typical early 20s life. I’ve been able to accrue a decent house deposit on my own … [while] doing the things that people who are renting aren’t always able to do.”

The home is up for sale with Place Camp Hill, and Oscar said it was thanks to his time in his parents’ house that the young couple could afford a place of their own. Picture: Liam Kidston

But even with both him and his partner saving, Oscar said the housing market had become incredibly difficult to buy into.

“I wouldn’t be able to buy on my own in this market,” he said. “It’s been a luxury that myself and Katherine have been able to stay there rent-free, not have to pay for any expenses … we’re in a position where we’re looking for a three-bedroom townhouse, unlike a one-bedroom unit which I know some of my friends are looking at.”

With more people moving back in with their parents thanks to the cost of living crisis, experts have suggested homes with dual-living features have a wider appeal on the housing market.

Now selling their home with Place Camp Hill, Phil and Maria plan to downsize while Oscar and Katherine step into the housing market. Agent Joanna Gianniotis said the Camp Hill home was a good example of how a renovation with multigenerational features can make the home more popular among potential buyers.

“I think if somebody is renovating and has the opportunity to create a private wing in some way, it will open up the market when they go to sell,” she said.

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