🏡 What Is a Bungalow in Real Estate?

A bungalow is a small, one- to one-and-a-half–story home known for its compact footprint, efficient layout, and simple architectural style. Bungalows typically feature a low-pitched roof, covered front porch, and a cozy interior floor plan. Common in older neighborhoods, especially early-1900s Craftsman-style communities, bungalows are popular among first-time buyers, downsizers, and homeowners seeking charm and simplicity.

How a Bungalow Works

Bungalows are designed to offer functional living on a smaller scale. Unlike full two-story homes, most bungalows have the main living areas on the first floor, with an optional partial second floor or loft under the roofline.

Typical features of a bungalow include:

  • One or one-and-a-half stories with bedrooms on the main floor
  • Low-pitched roof and wide eaves
  • Front porch, often with tapered columns or decorative woodwork
  • Compact square footage for efficient living
  • Cozier room sizes with practical layouts
  • Central living space connected to dining and kitchen areas

Bungalows are easy to maintain, energy-efficient due to their size, and known for architectural personality—especially in Craftsman, California, and Chicago-style variations.

Why Bungalows Matter

Benefits for Buyers:

  • Affordable entry point into desirable neighborhoods
  • Cozy, charming, and historically appealing
  • Easy to maintain and heat/cool
  • Often located in walkable, established communities

Benefits for Sellers:

  • Bungalows have timeless appeal and strong demand
  • Architectural charm helps listings stand out
  • Ideal for first-time buyers and downsizers
  • Often appreciate well in historic districts

With their quaint style and practical floor plans, bungalows continue to be one of the most beloved home types in American real estate.

Example of a Bungalow

A typical bungalow might include two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room with built-in cabinetry, a dining room, and a compact kitchen. The house may feature hardwood floors, exposed rafters, and a wide front porch with Craftsman-style columns. A small staircase may lead to a half-story attic bedroom or storage loft.

These homes often sit on narrower city lots and are common in early-20th-century neighborhoods.

Why Bungalows Matter for FSBO Sellers

Bungalows tend to attract strong buyer interest due to their charm, simplicity, and affordability. FSBO sellers may benefit from:

  • High demand in urban and historic neighborhoods
  • Appeal to first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers
  • Easy-to-stage interiors and photogenic curb appeal
  • Competitive pricing due to unique architectural character

Listing with Flat Fee MLS through Brokerless helps FSBO sellers gain wider exposure and attract qualified buyers.

🔗 Related Resources for Buyers & Sellers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bungalow and a ranch-style home?
A bungalow is typically smaller and may include a partial loft level. A ranch-style home is longer, wider, and focused on open, single-level living.

Are bungalows more affordable?
Often, yes. Their compact size and simpler construction can make them more budget-friendly compared to larger homes.

Do bungalows have basements?
Many older bungalows do, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, but it depends on the region.

Why are bungalows popular?
They offer charm, walkable neighborhoods, simple layouts, and lower maintenance—all appealing to a wide range of buyers.