Trianglehousehunter.com
  • Advanced Search
  • Map Search
  • Sell
  • Buy
  • Reviews
  • Guides & FAQ
  • Contact Us
    Login
    (919) 696-4254

    Sign in to your account

    Need to reset your phone number?

    Don't have an account with us?

    Click here to sign up.

    Triangle Real Estate Search

    TO
    Advanced Search

    Address Search

    Mother in Law Suite Homes: Multigenerational Living in NC

    For multigenerational living in North Carolina, many families are turning to the concept of a mother in law suite home. These spaces can be created from within the house, an addition, or a stand-alone unit. Still, the goal is the same: allow an elderly parent to maintain a level of independence while living close to family. And as an added bonus, mother in law suites can also serve as an Airbnb, home office, or guest suite for visitors. 

    What is a Mother in Law Suite?

    Mother in law suites, whether integrated into a larger home or a standalone dwelling unit, feature all the amenities of a separate house, including a sleeping/living space, kitchen or kitchenette, and bathroom. Some are similar to a studio apartment, one large area that includes both the living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. Others have a private bedroom separated from the rest of the suite. 

    The space size will dictate some design choices, so where there is generous square footage, you may find a full-size kitchen with lots of prep and storage space. Smaller spaces may dictate a kitchenette with a fridge, sink, oven (or toaster oven), microwave, and cooktop (or hot plate). 

    Mother in law suites created from an existing basement may have a walk-out area onto a porch or deck, along with a private entrance. 

    What Types of In Law Suite Homes Are Common?

    Thankfully we have a lot of homes with mother in law suites already set up in the Raleigh-Durham area. Here are the three most common options if you're wondering how to configure your home to accommodate an in-law suite. 

    1 - At its simplest, a first-floor bedroom and private bath can be considered an in-law suite. In fact, many homes market this scenario as designed for multigenerational living. For more privacy, a separate wing of the house (previous children’s wing perhaps) can be reimagined to fit the needs of an older parent(s). 

    2 - A new addition attached to the main house is a second option. In this scenario, there is good separation and privacy but still a direct connection to the main house. There may also be a private entrance from the outside to the suite. 

    3 - A third option is a separate unit detached from the main house but located on the property. These can be as small as a tiny home or as large as your property can accommodate. Sometimes called “granny flats,” there is a new trend called “granny pods,” which incorporate some innovative tech features for monitoring inhabitants remotely. 

    Why Own a Mother in-law Suite Home?

    In Hawaii, in-law suites are known as “ohana” (family) units, and indeed, the main purpose of these dwellings is to accommodate the family’s needs. 

    These in-law suites were initially designed to accommodate elderly or disabled relatives, but they can also be used for young adult children saving for their own homes. 

    They can act as both a short- or long-term solution to allowing multigenerational families to occupy the same space while each family maintains a degree of privacy.

    In-law suites often add to property value in both the additional square footage created and the utility of the space. 

    The flexibility inherent in these suites is also a benefit. It may start off in the family as an office, man cave, or she shed and then later become a place for an older parent. Some are rentals, either long-term or an Airbnb. 

    Must-Have Considerations for Mother in Law Suite Homes

    If you think an in-law suite will work for your family, here are some factors to consider as you plan. 

    Balancing privacy with access 

    Think of access to the main house and the outside world. Within the family, you may need to set guidelines for moving back and forth between the main house and the in-law unit. 

    Number of people living in the space

    If you're unsure exactly how you will utilize the space - aging parents, adult children, rental - design to give yourself the maximum flexibility

    HOA or regional restrictions 

    Your HOA may have restrictions either for the size of an in-law suite or whether you can rent the space at all, and if so, for how long. In addition, there may be zoning restrictions at the city or county level that you need to consider. 

    Many types of in-law suites are considered Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). There are often restrictions on these units, so check your city guidelines. 

    Mother in Law Suite Homes for Sale in the Triangle

    Are you looking for a property that is a mother in law suite home in Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill? 

    The North Carolina Triangle area is very popular with older adults and retirees. An in-law suite is an excellent option for multigenerational families who want to live close to each other. 

    We’re happy to help you with your search for the right property. View the listings below or contact us today and let’s get started.  

    Homes for Sale with In Law Suites

    814 N Graham Hopedale Road, Burlington image
    814 N Graham Hopedale Road, Burlington $270,000 ▼

    Huge renovation potential! Basement ceiling is 6'10" so is listed as unfinished. Complete home with kitchen in basement. The heat works great but home will likely need ne...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2461563 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    82 Seminole Point, Siler City image
    82 Seminole Point, Siler City $349,900 ▼

    Close to conveniences & Pittsboro Schools- Ready to move in 3/2 Ranch AND Apartment on 1 Acre just outside of town. Tastefully RENOVATED: new appliances, tile backsplash,...

    board logo
    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2488288 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    3321-A Fayetteville Street, Durham image
    3321-A Fayetteville Street, Durham $599,000 ▼

    Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP & Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River State Park & UNC...

    board logo
    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2497259 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    3319-A Fayetteville Street, Durham image
    3319-A Fayetteville Street, Durham $599,000 ▼

    Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP & Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River State Park & UNC...

    board logo
    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2498195 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    1901 Oakboro Drive, Raleigh image
    1901 Oakboro Drive, Raleigh $650,000

    Beautiful 3 story home in Falls River Neighborhood! Wrap around porch invites you in to this 5 bedroom/3.5 bath home! Kitchen w/granite, tile backsplash & SS appliances. ...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2501500 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    1101 Norwood Avenue, Durham image
    1101 Norwood Avenue, Durham $685,000

    Amazing Opportunity close to Duke. 1101 Norwood Ave offers so much flexibility. Option 1: Single Family Home w/4BR & 3 Bath, Option 2:Duplex – Unit 1 3BR/2Baths Unit 2 Ef...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2499493 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    5522 Goochs Mill Road, Oxford image
    5522 Goochs Mill Road, Oxford $799,000 ▼

    Charming home situated on 5 acres. First floor features entry foyer, master suite with fireplace and two large 2 walk in closets. Master bath includes walk in shower and ...

    board logo
    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2496911 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    1040 Pebblebrook Drive, Wake Forest image
    1040 Pebblebrook Drive, Wake Forest $799,000 ▼

    Where do I begin? So much to offer on 7.85 acres with LOTS of road frontage and TOTALLY fenced! 3000 sq ft home with LARGE OPEN area downstairs, MASSIVE stacked stone FP ...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 2499217 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    700 Lochgarton Lane, Raleigh image
    700 Lochgarton Lane, Raleigh $850,000

    Just imagine the perfect home within walking distance to a park that backs to a major lake with fishing, boating and Bald Eagles. Now it can become a reality with this ho...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 2500916 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    3035 Brassfield Road, Creedmoor image
    3035 Brassfield Road, Creedmoor $998,000

    Modernist Private Rural Compound - Escape city life at the "Artist's Palette," an art inspired home designed by architect Rhonda Angerio. It was built in 2005 as a multi-...

    board logo
    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2501138 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    4500 Hollow Oaks Drive, Chapel Hill image
    4500 Hollow Oaks Drive, Chapel Hill $1,200,000

    Breathtaking modernist home on 10+ acre, extremely private setting in Orange County.Includes detached living space (covered breezeway leading to) equipped w/ 2 flex space...

    board logo
    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2490399 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    33 Huntington Place, Smithfield image
    33 Huntington Place, Smithfield $1,279,000

    Dramatic SUNSETS & captivating VIEWS from all levels of this waterfront home on Holt Lake. Thoughtfully designed for easy lakefront living & gracious entertaining. Mesmer...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 2494913 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    109 Old Bridge Lane, Chapel Hill image
    109 Old Bridge Lane, Chapel Hill $1,350,000 ▼

    The most spectacular new construction in Chapel Hill - and only 1.5 miles from UNC's campus! Take a stroll on the winding, tree-covered Morgan Creek Trail to arrive at t...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 2452426 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    844 N Mangum Street, Durham image
    844 N Mangum Street, Durham $1,391,000

    Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2473651 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    838 N Mangum Street, Durham image
    838 N Mangum Street, Durham $1,391,000

    Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2473657 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    842 N Mangum Street, Durham image
    842 N Mangum Street, Durham $1,441,000

    Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2473653 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    840 N Mangum Street, Durham image
    840 N Mangum Street, Durham $1,441,000

    Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2473656 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    836 N Mangum Street, Durham image
    836 N Mangum Street, Durham $1,491,000

    Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome END UNIT by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2473659 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    6701 Green Hollow Court, Wake Forest image
    6701 Green Hollow Court, Wake Forest $1,600,000

    Magnificent Executive Estate situated on almost 2-acres in Wakefield Estates w/ 3 car garage! Updates galore w/ amazing appointments such a sprawling Great room w/ Stone ...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 7 Baths
    • 2494467 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    5505 Hunter Hollow Drive, Raleigh image
    5505 Hunter Hollow Drive, Raleigh $1,675,000 ▼

    Beautiful, spacious custom brick home on private 1.45 acre lot conveniently located between Raleigh & Cary. This home truly has endless features including a finished, wal...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 7 Baths
    • 2493658 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    213 Georgetown Road, Raleigh image
    213 Georgetown Road, Raleigh $1,995,000 ▼

    GORGEOUS Main House (4127 sq ft) & Detached 2 car GARAGE w/an ADDITIONAL Guest House Living (832 sq ft) for a total 4959 sq ft . Large Flat lot. Covered Front Porch, Dou...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 6 Baths
    • 2470031 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    1020 White Oak Creek Drive, Apex image
    1020 White Oak Creek Drive, Apex $2,750,000 ▼

    This luxurious estate home is tucked away in nature’s sanctuary in Wake County, bordering West Cary and Apex, and backing up to the Corps of Engineer Land for Jordan Lake...

    board logo
    • 4 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 2478796 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    4909 Deep Branch Road, Pembroke image
    4909 Deep Branch Road, Pembroke $3,300,000

    This magnificent property is truly remarkable!  This French Country style home with a Mediterranean vibe has 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, and 8,593 hea...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 7 Baths
    • 2484608 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    10398 Holt, Chapel Hill image
    10398 Holt, Chapel Hill $3,750,000

    The ultimate modern lifestyle home in coveted Governors Club. Casual elegance with seamless flow, exquisite details and sought-after amenities. Strategically positioned o...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 8 Baths
    • 2496117 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    3300 Avon Road, Durham image
    3300 Avon Road, Durham $4,250,000

    Tucked inside over 3 acres resplendent with magnolias and cherry blossoms, lies a home where craftsmanship, quality and execution come together to create the ideal balanc...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 8 Baths
    • 2499811 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    250 Blue Violet Way, Durham image
    250 Blue Violet Way, Durham $5,500,000

    Unquestionably one of the finest estates in all of NC, this exquisite property, with its nearly 11,000 sq. ft. home resting on over seven acres of beautiful grounds, is i...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 9 Baths
    • 2473018 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    2421 Acanthus Drive, Wake Forest image
    2421 Acanthus Drive, Wake Forest $6,200,000

    Exclusive, Private, Gated Estate on almost 4 acres. Exceptional property was featured in Parade of Homes and is located in the Back Nine. Master Craftsmanship displayed t...

    board logo
    • 5 Beds
    • 9 Baths
    • 2489349 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo
    2029 Giovanni Court, Cary image
    2029 Giovanni Court, Cary $7,495,000 ▼

    Nearly 13,000 SF of custom luxury in Cary’s exclusive Renaissance @ Regency Estates. Created by a dream team of esteemed architect, builder, interior designer & craftspeo...

    board logo
    • 6 Beds
    • 9 Baths
    • 2433250 MLS
    • ACTIVE Status
    board logo

    Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .

    Like or Share
    Loading likes...

    Address Search

    Community Real Estate

    • Raleigh
    • Durham
    • Chapel Hill
    • Carrboro
    • Cary
    • Hillsborough
    • Alamance County
    • Morrisville
    • Chatham County
    • Wake Forest
    • Pittsboro
    • Roxboro
    • Bahama
    • Rougemont
    • Butner / Granville County

    Recent Blog Posts

    • Raleigh / Durham Real Estate Market Data
    • 10 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in Durham
    • Top 5 Neighborhoods Near Downtown Durham
    • Choosing Schools in the Raleigh / Durham Area
    • Opendoor vs Local Realtor
    • My Top 7 Downtown Raleigh Neighborhoods
    • Wake County Capped Schools Guide
    • Buying or Selling Long Distance?

    Looking for a Specific Design?

    • Arts and Crafts
    • Bungalow
    • Cape Cod
    • Charleston
    • Craftsman
    • Contemporary
    • Loft
    • Modernist
    • Passive Solar
    • Ranch
    • Spanish
    • Tudor
    • Victorian
    • Overview of Home Styles

    Land and Properties with Acreage

    • Homes with Acreage
    • Homes with Ponds
    • Horse Farms
    • Land for Homesteading
    • Large Land Tracts
    • Small Lot Options in Durham

    Guides

    • Animal and Pet Guide
    • First-time Home Buyer Guide
    • New Home Buying Guide
    • Out-of-State Buyer's Guide
    • Out-of-State Seller's Guide
    • Relocation Guide

    Special Requests

    • Active Adult / 55 plus Properties
    • Coming Soon Properties
    • Distressed Properties
    • Duplexes, Triplexes, and Quads
    • Estate Sales
    • Foreclosures
    • Gated Communities
    • Green / Energy Efficient Homes
    • Historic Durham Homes
    • Historic Raleigh Homes
    • Homes with 3 Car Garages
    • Homes with Basements
    • Homes on Golf Courses
    • Homes with Guest Houses
    • Homes with In Law Suites
    • Homes with Motivated Sellers
    • Homes with No HOA
    • Homes with Pools
    • New Construction
    • New Custom Homes
    • Tiny Homes
    • Townhomes
    • Waterfront

    Area Listings

    • Angier
    • Apex
    • Bahama
    • Carrboro
    • Cary
    • Cedar Grove
    • Chapel Hill
    • Clayton
    • Durham
    • Efland
    • Fuquay Varina
    • Garner
    • Hillsborough
    • Holly Springs
    • Hurdle Mills
    • Knightdale
    • Mebane
    • Morrisville
    • Oxford
    • Pittsboro
    • Raleigh
    • Rolesville
    • Rougemont
    • Siler City
    • Wake Forest
    • Wendell
    • Willow Spring
    • Zebulon
  • Home
  • Advanced Search
  • Sell
  • Buy
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Featured Properties
  • Contact Us
  • Ryan Cassidy
    Mallard Realty Group
    919-696-4254

    Whitney Bulbrook
    Carolina Ventures Mortgage 
    919-260-6020

    © 2022 - All Rights Reserved

    Trending Now

  • Best Durham Neighborhoods
  • Duplexes / Triplexes
  • Gated Communities
  • Homes w/ No HOA
  • Horse Farms
  • New Construction in Cary
  • New Homes in Mebane
  • Retirement Communities
  • Tiny Homes
  • IDX Real Estate Websites by
    • Accessibility • Terms • Privacy