What You Need to Know About Buying a Bungalow

February 17, 2016

Buying a Bungalow


Preparing to purchase a bungalow from Property Guru can be both an exciting and daunting proposition. Bungalows are generally smaller structures that make the ideal home for first-time buyers, and there are many variables when it comes to choosing the property that is right for you.



As with any prospective home there are pros and cons that need to be addressed. Here are some valuable pros and cons to consider when shopping for that perfect bungalow:

Pro: Know Your Structure

A bungalow is typically a single-storey dwelling that is detached and usually has an abundance of outdoor living space. Screened-in porches or open air verandahs are common, since owners of these homes usually enjoy spending a great deal of time outdoors.

Pro: A Bungalow Makes a Great Home for Individuals Dealing with Mobility Issues

There comes a time in life when many of us are better off not having to negotiate staircases, especially in our own homes. This makes bungalows a great choice for seniors, or people dealing with mobility issues. Moreover, since these homes are all on one level, things like doorways and dividing walls can be easily altered to accommodate wheelchairs since you don’t have to worry about compromising support beams that cannot be removed or re-located in multi-storey homes.

Pro: Bungalows Are Usually Situated on Larger Plots of Land

A large plot of land offers greater versatility, especially if the home you are considering buying is on the small side. Bungalows can easily be renovated to adapt to changing needs. For example, a young couple wishing to start a family can extend a bungalow to include one or two more bedrooms. A single, older couple can renovate an existing smaller kitchen, turning it into a dream gourmet kitchen with all the latest features and appliances. In some cases, bungalow owners will even opt to turn their bungalows into two storey structures, maximizing the value of the home and the land it sits on.

Pro: Smaller Homes Usually Cost Less to Heat and Cool

Larger homes are notorious for their maintenance costs, particularly heating them in the winter, and cooling them in the summer. Since bungalows are much smaller, your utility usage will be much less, and the costs won’t be as considerable as those in larger homes.

Pro: Bungalows Are a Great Investment

Since bungalows are such versatile properties, they will usually maintain their value or increase in value. This should be a consideration for every first-time home buyer since you will want to get a return on your investment if you decide to move to a larger home in the future.

Pro: Enhanced Privacy

Bungalows are detached, stand-alone homes, which allow you to have a much greater degree of privacy than if you lived in an attached home or an apartment. You’re able to spread out and get a little noisy, usually without having to worry about upsetting the neighbours.

Con: Higher Cost Per Square Foot

Many real estate experts believe that bungalows are overpriced considering their size. The cost per square foot is almost always double what you would pay for a two-storey home, but what you lack in space can be made up for by location.

Con: Not Much In the Way of Storage

Bungalows generally have fewer rooms, and therefore, not as much storage. Some homes do not even have basements, which can add to the challenge of storing belongings that are not regularly used. This can easily be solved by renting a separate storage space, or investing in furniture that has the capacity to store items like clothing and household items.

Con: Bungalows Can Be Considered Outdated

Sure, everything has gotten bigger over the years, but living in a small home still retains a certain charm. Some people prefer smaller homes, and like the fact that they are easier to care for and maintain.

Con: Everything is on One Floor

Having everything on the same floor might be considered a drawback for some people because everything is on display. You can’t hide messy bedrooms or clutter as easily in a bungalow because the rooms are closer together. This could either be an good incentive to keep things tidy, or motivation to save for a larger two-storey home.

Con: Security Issues:

Depending on the area a bungalow is located in, it could potentially be a security risk. Having everything on the ground floor, including every window, makes these structures more tempting for burglars. It is important to invest in a good security system, as well as sturdy locks for all windows and doors to ensure your safety while you are home and away.
This list of pros and cons is the perfect place to start if you are new to house hunting, or if it’s been a while since you’ve considered the possibility of moving to a new home. The goal is to search until you find the home that is perfect for your needs. 


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