However, married or civil partner couples remain the most common, accounting for two-thirds of families in 2019.
Jo Edwards, partner at Forsters, said multi-family households had both practical and financial benefits.
‘However, people embarking on multi-family living (related or not) must give the arrangements due thought. Who owns the property and how will bills be shared? What happens if there is a dispute over property ownership? It is likely that a cohabitation or nuptial agreement, declaration of trust or will (or a combination of those things) will have a valuable role to play, to ensure families can navigate disagreements smoothly.’