Finding your ideal home can be a tricky business. Of course it’s essential to have a wishlist to make sure your key criteria are met, but it’s also important to approach your property search with an open mind – your ideal home might not actually look like you think it will.
Choosing a bungalow might not be something you’ve considered, after all, they do have a reputation with some for being only for the elderly; but that’s simply not the case, in fact there are quite a few advantages to owning a bungalow.
Bungalows are a good investment
Fewer bungalows are being built in the UK yet demand remains strong. This means that bungalows hold their value and can appreciate more than other property types. That said, it is true that, due to demand, bungalows tend to be more expensive per square metre.
Space and privacy
Many bungalows were built several decades ago when the need for housing was not as great and space was not at such a premium, so tend to have bigger plots. Outdoor space on bungalow plots typically includes a driveway as well as front and rear garden. In addition to the great outdoor space, bungalows offer more privacy, with neighbouring properties also being single storey buildings that have limited if any view into the neighbouring plot.
Great for Families
As we’ve already mentioned, bungalows are often thought of as for the elderly, and it’s true, they are ideal for senior living, but they’re also a great solution for families. The lack of stairs means there’s one less thing to worry about when there are youngsters toddling about, plus having bedrooms on the same level as the living areas means that children are not too far away so you can easily keep an eye on them. This is also a plus as the kids reach their teenage years and disappear into their bedrooms for hours on end to isolate themselves from the rest of the world.
Housekeeping and maintenance made easy
Let’s face it trudging the vacuum cleaner up and down stairs is a bit of a pain. There’s none of this in a bungalow. With all the accommodation on one level, the housework is a much easier task. It’s also less challenging to carry out regular maintenance work such as cleaning windows, facias, guttering and any roofing work.
Potential to extend
As already mentioned, bungalows tend to have larger plots with space to the rear and front of the property, giving greater potential to extend outwards. Bungalows often have large, high unused loft space too which can be perfect for extending upwards – a loft extension can make a fabulous bedroom and even and ensuite.
Make it your own
Due to the age of many bungalows and the typical demographic of bungalow owners (who have often lived in them since they were built), properties that come to the market are often in need of renovation or modernisation. Of course, this can deter some people but it offers a terrific opportunity to create a real transformation and make your mark on the property.
We’ve highlighted here some of the many benefits of bungalow life although, of course, some would argue the disadvantages of living in a bungalow. Some feel insecure sleeping on the ground floor, others don’t like the lack of separation between bedrooms and living areas. Weighing up the pros and cons is a personal choice. But what’s important when conducting a property search is that you check out all the options. You might just find what you’d dismissed as a ‘no’ turns out to be your forever home.
