The housing market is flush with choice; no matter what kind of home you’re after there’s bound to be something out there for you. While many homebuyers already have a firm image of the kind of home they’d like to own, it would be a shame to completely overlook a property as unique as a bungalow.
If you’ve ever been curious about moving to a bungalow, or are looking into the option for a family member or friend, read on as we discuss some of the considerations that come with bungalow ownership.
Size and space
Let’s start with the obvious: a bungalow is innately smaller than a two-storey home. If you move to a bungalow, it’s almost assured that you’re downsizing. By their nature, the interior of bungalows are more compact, with layouts designed to maximise interior space as far as possible. Some people see this as a sacrifice, others welcome the focus of efficiency and practicality. It depends on what you’re looking for. An open plan bungalow, for instance, will feel more spacious, but you still might not have enough living space for the whole family.
Plot size
Typically, the land surrounding your bungalow will provide much more space than a two-storey home. A sizeable garden is a huge plus for many, and there’s always the potential to expand your living space with an extension in the future. It’s not uncommon to find bungalows with large driveways, which is handy if you have multiple vehicles – and also makes the property itself more private.
Privacy
Speaking of privacy, bungalows are typically more private than other properties – especially on a street with other bungalows. However, despite the extra outside space, there can be concerns that certain rooms – bedrooms and bathrooms – will be clearly visible from the road. An easy remedy for this is the addition of fencing or hedge, but some people may still feel uncomfortable with possible ground level exposure. Bungalows are versatile, living space can be altered and it’s a good idea to keep bedrooms away from the kitchen or living room. Making sure bedrooms are towards the back of the house will maintain privacy without demanding much alteration to the property.
Storage
Moving from a three-bed property to a bungalow will be an adjustment. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take all of your possessions with you, they simply won’t fit. If the property has a garage with it, you can rely on that for some easy storage space, but what about everything else? If you are planning to move to a bungalow, it’s time to have a mass clear out.
We always recommend decluttering before moving house, but when moving into a bungalow, it’s a must. If you can’t get rid of it all in time, consider temporary storage. If you ever plan on extending the property – or even adding a loft conversion – then you’ll be able to bring those belongings back into the home.
Accessibility
Perhaps the greatest advantage of a bungalow is the ease of access throughout. There’s a reason that bungalows are popular homes for retired people and those with mobility issues or disabilities; they are simple to move around in. Every room is nearby to each other, there are no stairs to deal with, and moving from bedroom to bathroom in the middle of the night is completely hassle free – a life saver!
But bungalows aren’t just for the older community. Families with young children will find bungalows very easy to manage. Keeping an eye on toddlers is made more simple because the interior layout is condensed; it’s easier to watch and listen for trouble when you’re just a room or corridor away from them. Also, that large garden we talked about earlier: perfect for kids to let loose in.
Of course, as the kids grow older, they’re likely to want more space to themselves, so a bungalow may not be quite as ideal for parents with teenagers. It’s all about choosing a home that fits with your lifestyle at the time. A bungalow won’t be for everybody, but they do offer more than you might expect, so it’s definitely worth looking into further if you plan on moving home in the near future.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® are proud to be the world’s fourth largest removals company, delivering a personal approach to your move no matter the size, scale or complexity. Downsizing to a bungalow? Our experienced moving specialists can offer all the advice and insight you need to ensure an efficient move without any hassle. We offer a full packing service, and have a large fleet of moving trucks to transport your belongings safely and securely. For more information, simply contact our friendly team today.