Inside storey on bungalows
THEY’RE hot property and highly desirable to people of a certain age – but would you ever describe bungalows as exciting? Well with just a few tweaks, they could be. “Find me an estate agent who would describe a funky, contemporary, home laid out over one floor as a bungalow,” says Edward Heaton, founder and managing partner of London buying agents Heaton & Partners. “Instead they will use terms such as ‘single storey’ or ‘lateral space’.”
Bungalows are seen as so old-fashioned that many downsizers looking for a home without stairs will opt for a new-build apartment with lifts and underground parking.
But bungalows have more going for them than just single-storey living. Most have a garden, drive, often a garage and – importantly – privacy, hence their rise in demand. In the first three months of this year it was 63 per cent above the five-year average, according to Zoopla.
When renovating homes, it’s often easier to update bungalows than houses and Heaton says: “I have seen some amazing single-storey structures in recent years, often futuristic homes which totally reinvent the bungalow concept.
“Many blend seamlessly with the environment around them, with green roofs and impressive eco-friendly credentials.
“This is what my buyers want today; an innovative take on a single-storey dwelling, something to make their friends look in awe, all whilst knowing that their bills – along with their carbon footprint – are as efficient as they can be.”
David Mooney, managing partner of Pacitti Jones, based in Stirling, says “pound for pound” bungalows are the most sought-after properties in Scotland, with many selling for well over their home report value. “Bungalows have lots to offer everyone, from families to young professionals, as they have many of the advantages of a low-maintenance flat but with the benefit of having your own front and back door and a private garden, which is really important – especially for those who are working from home,” he points out.
“We are seeing some incredible properties coming on the market with Tardis-like proportions, often with huge kitchen extensions and large gardens with summerhouses and space for outdoor entertaining.”
Few new developments include bungalows but DavidWilson Homes often have two-storey chalet bungalows on their sites, including St Rumbold’s Fields in Buckingham, where a four-bedroom chalet bungalow is for sale at £549,995 (0330 127 8458; dwh.co.uk) with two double bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs, plus two bedrooms with a shower room upstairs.
Karly Williams, sales and marketing director for David Wilson North Thames, says interest is always high for chalet bungalows and adds: “Many older buyers want the convenience of lateral living but do not want to compromise on space for entertaining family or accommodating sleepovers with the grandchildren.
“Our bungalows are unique in their design and cater to the modern retiree, ticking the boxes for sticking to one floor but offering additional space for the rest of the family.”
“Bungalows are one of the hottest commodities in the property market right now.
“Baby boomers are on the hunt for spacious, low-maintenance homes that accommodate a trendier retirement.
“Gone are the days of retirees downsizing entirely.
“Instead they require greater flexibility to cope with additional demands expected of them later in life – such as taking on Granny Day Care roles!”