Are Bungalows Hard to Sell?

Bungalows have long been considered the ideal housing choice for older buyers. Everything’s on one floor, they’re easy to navigate and offer a more accessible lifestyle. 

But with changing preferences in the housing market, is that still the case?

Here we’ll explore the bungalow market, from who’s buying them to the demand level, and how to sell your bungalow quickly.

Who’s buying bungalows these days?

Traditionally, bungalows have appealed to older generations looking for a more manageable home as they age. The absence of stairs makes them a popular choice for those with mobility concerns. 

Younger buyers have tended to steer clear of bungalows as they often prioritise larger properties with multiple floors. This has led to a perception that demand for bungalows is low, but that’s not entirely accurate. In fact, plenty of younger buyers are actively searching for a bungalow, amid claims that bungalows are now actually ‘cool’.

Some of the other reasons more buyers are choosing to live in bungalows include:

• Privacy: Bungalows usually come with a sizeable garden, sometimes at the front and back, letting you enjoy your privacy
• Flexibility: There is plenty of potential to make additions and improvements to a bungalow. Buyers often enjoy having this as an option
• Maintenance: Because of their smaller size, bungalows are cheaper and easier to clean
• Safety: They are more accessible for children, the elderly and people living with disabilities, making them the safer housing choice

While younger families might overlook them, there is still strong demand from older buyers who need the ease of a single-story home. In fact, with the UK’s ageing population, the market for bungalows remains steady. Locations close to local amenities, healthcare facilities and public transport tend to attract these buyers more readily, which helps bungalows retain their appeal in certain areas.

Are bungalows cheaper than the average UK house?

On average bungalows are more expensive than standard houses across the UK. In 2024, the average price of a house is £289,723 and the average price of a bungalow is £330,000. This may be surprising, but because bungalows are built out rather than up, they take up more land space and therefore cost more. Another reason for the difference in price is supply and demand. Property developers see that they need to use more land to facilitate building bungalows and don’t want to lose out on sales from fitting fewer homes in the space. Bungalows are therefore in shorter demand and this drives up prices. Despite this, the price of bungalows across the UK vary greatly, and depending on your location, some bungalows will be considerably cheaper than others.

What are the advantages of bungalows?

Currently, there is a significant demand for bungalows with an unmatched supply, and because of this it’s likely that your bungalow will hold its value. With new property developers less likely to build bungalows, this high demand is a great advantage for sellers, meaning it should be easier to find a buyer. As well as older generations investing in bungalows when downsizing, younger buyers are tapping into the potential bungalows present for conversion and expansion as this adds value.

Do bungalows sell quickly?

Sometimes. It depends largely on the location. In some areas, bungalows can be snapped up in an instant, particularly if they’re in a sought-after neighbourhood with good amenities. Buyers looking for convenience — say, proximity to shops, transport links or healthcare services — often flock to bungalows in these areas. The easier it is to live in the area without needing to travel far for essential services, the more attractive a bungalow becomes to potential buyers.

But if you’re selling in a region where bungalows aren’t in high demand, or if the property is in a more rural setting without easy access to services, you might be in for a longer wait. This is particularly true if your bungalow doesn’t offer much in the way of space, because many families simply find bungalows too small to meet their needs, especially if they’re looking for multiple bedrooms or extra living areas.

What can help sell a bungalow faster?

If you’re trying to sell your house fast and it’s a bungalow, there are a few strategies you can use to speed things up. 

First, ensure the property is in good condition. Bungalows that are well-maintained and don’t require immediate work are far more appealing to buyers, particularly those who want to move in quickly without having to deal with renovations.

Next, think about how you’re marketing the property. Since bungalows tend to appeal to older buyers, focus on the features that matter most to them: ease of access, wider doorways or modifications like handrails and ramps. If the property is near local healthcare facilities or public transport, highlight these in your listing.

However, don’t limit yourself to just one demographic. You might also want to mention any potential for expansion, such as the possibility of adding a loft conversion or an extension.

Can I sell my bungalow for cash?

If you’re struggling to find a buyer through the traditional market, selling to a cash house buyer can be a great alternative. Some companies can buy properties quickly, and without the complications that come with chains or financing issues. This is particularly useful if your bungalow has been on the market for a while.

Cash buyers can often complete the sale in a matter of weeks, allowing you to move on without the stress of waiting for the right buyer to come along. This option can be especially appealing if you’re dealing with a time-sensitive situation, like needing to downsize for health reasons or wanting to free up cash for other investments.

The verdict

Some bungalows are harder to sell than others. It really depends on your location, the condition of the property and who you’re marketing to.

If selling through the traditional market isn’t working out, or if you need to sell fast, SellHouseFast.co.uk offers a quick and simple solution. We buy any house, including bungalows, with no hidden fees and a hassle-free process. 

Get a free, no-obligation quote today, and see how we can help you sell your bungalow quickly, with minimal fuss.