If you’ve been searching for homes in Gilbert or Queen Creek and keep seeing the phrase “Next Gen” attached to certain floor plans, you’re not alone in wondering what it actually means – and whether it might be the right fit for your family.
Here’s the honest answer: for the right family, a Next Gen home is one of the smartest purchases you can make in the East Valley right now. But it’s not for everyone, and there are things buyers need to understand before they walk into a builder’s model home and fall in love with the idea.
I’ve helped a lot of families navigate this purchase. As someone who’s an empty nester and a Nana, I get it personally – the pull to have family close without sacrificing anyone’s independence. Let me walk you through what these homes actually are, who they work best for, and what to watch out for.
WHAT DOES "NEXT GEN" ACTUALLY MEAN?
“Next Gen” is a term Lennar trademarked for their multi-generational floor plan product. But in the real estate world, it’s become shorthand for any home that includes a private suite designed for a second household.
These aren’t just bonus rooms. A true Next Gen or multi-generational suite typically includes:
– A private entrance – separate from the main home
– A kitchenette (sometimes a full kitchen depending on the plan)
– A living area or sitting room
– A bedroom and full bathroom
– In some cases, a separate one-car garage or laundry area
The suite is connected to the main home through an interior door but is fully functional on its own. The idea is that a grandparent, adult child, caregiver, or in-law can live comfortably and independently – without actually living in a separate house.
WHO IS THIS HOME REALLY FOR?
In Gilbert and Queen Creek, I see these homes work beautifully in a few specific situations:
Aging parents who want independence, but not isolation. If you have a parent who isn’t ready for assisted living but also shouldn’t be living an hour away alone, a Next Gen home lets you be present without everyone living on top of each other. They have their own front door. You have your kitchen. Dinner together happens when everyone wants it to.
Adult children who need a launching pad. College grads, young adults saving for a down payment, or a child coming home after a life transition – the suite gives them space and you both preserve your sanity.
Caregiving situations. Whether it’s a parent with a health condition or a family member who needs daily support, having them 30 feet away (instead of 30 minutes) changes everything. I’ve seen this setup transform what could have been a crisis situation into something manageable and even meaningful.
Multi-family purchasing power. Some buyers are purchasing these homes with a parent or adult child contributing to the mortgage. That’s a financially strategic move, especially in today’s market.
WHICH BUILDERS OFFER NEXT GEN HOMES IN GILBERT AND QUEEN CREEK?
Lennar is the builder most associated with Next Gen floor plans and has communities in both Gilbert and Queen Creek. Their Next Gen suites are well-thought-out and have been refined over many years.
Pulte Homes offers what they call “In-Law Suites” or “Attached Guest Suites” in select floor plans in the East Valley.
Toll Brothers has luxury options in Gilbert and Queen Creek with private suite configurations, particularly in higher price points.
Meritage Homes offers some multi-gen configurations in San Tan Valley and Queen Creek communities.
Richmond American has select plans with attached suites in the East Valley.
It’s worth knowing that not every community from these builders will have multi-gen options. And even within a community, only certain floor plans include the suite. This is where having an agent who actually knows the product inventory matters – you don’t want to drive to three model homes to discover none of them have what you’re looking for.
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO WATCH FOR
This is the part that doesn’t always make it into the builder’s sales pitch. Here’s what I want every client to know before signing anything:
HOA rules on the suite. Some HOAs restrict how the attached suite can be used. They may prohibit renting the space to a non-family member. Read the CC&Rs carefully before you buy if rental income is part of your plan.
Financing can get complicated. If the suite occupant is contributing to the mortgage, lenders treat that differently depending on the loan structure. Make sure your lender understands multi-gen financing and has done it before.
Resale considerations. Next Gen homes appeal to a specific buyer pool. In a strong market, that’s fine. But in a slower market, the buyer universe is smaller than a traditional floor plan. This isn’t a reason to avoid the purchase – it’s just something to factor into your long-term thinking.
Construction quality varies by builder. The kitchenette in some suites is quite basic – a sink, small fridge, and microwave. Others have full ranges and dishwashers. If this matters to your family, look at exactly what’s included (and what’s an upgrade) before you fall in love with the plan.
Utility separation. Some suites share utilities with the main home. Others have separate meters. If you’re planning to rent long-term or need true independence for the suite occupant, ask specifically about how utilities are set up.
WHAT DOES A NEXT GEN HOME COST IN GILBERT AND QUEEN CREEK RIGHT NOW?
As of summer 2026, multi-gen floor plans in Gilbert and Queen Creek typically start in the low-to-mid $600,000s for new construction, depending on the community, lot, and builder. Luxury configurations with larger suites and upgraded finishes can push into the $800,000s and above.
In the current market, with homes sitting longer and sellers – including builders – offering real concessions, this is a better time than it’s been in a while to negotiate. Builders are motivated right now. Lot premiums, closing cost assistance, and design center credits are all on the table if you know how to ask.
IS IT THE RIGHT MOVE FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Here’s the way I think about it with clients: before you fall in love with the floor plan, answer these questions.
Does your family situation genuinely call for shared proximity? If the answer is yes – aging parent, caregiving responsibility, blended household, adult child – then yes, this product can be life-changing in the best way.
Are you clear on the boundaries? The most successful multi-gen setups I’ve seen are ones where everyone has agreed on how shared spaces (if any) will work, what privacy looks like, and how the living arrangement might evolve over time.
Are you buying this home as a home – not just a floor plan? Next Gen homes are long-term purchases. Make sure the community, location, and lifestyle fit your whole picture, not just the square footage.
LET'S TALK THROUGH IT
I’ve spent years helping East Valley families find the right multi-gen home – and sometimes helping them realize a different floor plan is a better fit. Either way, the conversation is always worth having before you start touring.
If you’re exploring Next Gen homes in Gilbert, Queen Creek, or anywhere in the East Valley, I’d love to help. I know the inventory, the builders, and the nuances – and I’ll give you a straight answer on what works and what doesn’t.
Cheri Smith
REALTOR® | eXp Realty
480-298-5551
cherismithrealtor.com
@cherismith.azrealtor