Bungalow: Guide to your dream property

What is a bungalow?

A bungalow is a single-story house where all living spaces are located on one level. The term originally comes from the Hindi word "bangla" and referred to traditional houses in Bengal. Today, the bungalow represents a modern and practical living concept characterized by its single-level construction.

The characteristic features of a bungalow include:

• Single-story construction: All rooms are located on one level

• Barrier-free access: No stairs in the living area

• Open floor plan: Spacious and flexible layouts

• Direct garden access: Often with terrace or veranda

• Flat roof bungalow or low-pitched roof: Modern aesthetics and functionality

What different types of bungalows are available?

The variety of bungalow types is impressive and offers the perfect solution for every taste and need:

Bungalow modern

The modern bungalow is characterized by clean lines, large window surfaces, and innovative materials. These houses impress with contemporary architecture and high energy efficiency.

Modern luxury bungalow

A modern luxury bungalow offers upscale amenities, high-quality materials, and exclusive details. Premium features like smart home technology and designer elements characterize this category.

Wheelchair accessible bungalow

The wheelchair accessible bungalow is specifically designed for people with limited mobility. Wide doors, threshold-free transitions, and wheelchair-accessible sanitary facilities are standard equipment.

Small bungalow

A small bungalow is perfect for couples or singles who want to live compactly and efficiently. Despite reduced living space, these houses offer all necessary functions.

Bungalow with garden

The bungalow with garden optimally connects living and nature. The single-level construction enables a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.

Prefab bungalow

A prefab bungalow is industrially prefabricated and assembled on-site. This construction method significantly reduces building time and often offers more affordable prices with high quality.

How much does a bungalow cost today?

Bungalow prices vary greatly depending on equipment, size, and location. Here's an overview of the main cost factors:

The bungalow building costs consist of:

• Land costs: 30-50% of total costs

• Construction costs: 1.500 - 2.500 €/m²

• Ancillary building costs: 15-20% of pure construction costs

• Landscaping: 5.000 - 25.000 €

Is it cheaper to build a bungalow or a House?

A bungalow is often more expensive than a comparable multi-story house due to its special construction method. The reasons are:

• Larger footprint: More foundation and roof area required

• Higher land costs: Greater space requirements

• Special construction: More complex roof construction and insulation

However, a bungalow offers long-term advantages that can justify the higher acquisition costs.

How Large Can a Bungalow Be on a Property?

The maximum size of a bungalow is determined by local building regulations. Important key figures are:

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

• Typical values: 0.2 - 0.4

• Meaning: Proportion of buildable property area

• Example: With FAR 0.3 and 8,600 sq ft property, 2,580 sq ft are buildable

Plot Coverage Ratio

• For bungalows: Corresponds to FAR since single-story

• Advantage: Maximum utilization of permitted floor area

Setback Requirements

• Minimum distances: Maintain distances to neighboring properties

• Regulation: Varies by state/locality

• Planning note: Early consultation with architects

How Big Should a Bungalow Be for 2 People?

For a couple, a bungalow with 850-1,300 sq ft is usually sufficient. The optimal bungalow floor plan for 2 people includes:

• Living area: 320-430 sq ft (living and dining area)

• Kitchen: 130-190 sq ft

• Bedroom: 150-190 sq ft

• Bathroom: 85-130 sq ft

• Guest/office room: 110-160 sq ft

• Utility room: 65-110 sq ft

A small bungalow of this size offers sufficient comfort and can be efficiently heated and maintained.

What Should You Consider with a Bungalow?

Bungalow Advantages

Accessibility and Comfort

• No stairs in living area

• Age-appropriate living without renovation

• Easy accessibility for people with mobility limitations

Energy EfficiencyBungalow energy efficiency benefits from:

• Compact construction with smaller exterior surface area

• Efficient heat distribution on one level

• Possibility of optimal insulation

Flexibility

• Open floor plan enables individual design

• Easy redesign without load-bearing walls

• Future-proof usage changes possible

Garden Connection

• Direct access to terrace and garden

• Seamless transition between inside and outside

• More quality of life through nature connection

Bungalow Disadvantages

Higher Costs

• Larger lot requirement

• Higher costs per square foot of living space

• More complex roof construction

Limited Privacy

• All rooms on one level

• Fewer retreat possibilities

• Possible visibility from outside

Property Requirements

• Larger lot required

• Not suitable for every location

• Higher development costs

Bungalow for Sale or Rent: What Suits You?

Bungalow for Sale

Looking for a bungalow for sale is suitable for:

• Long-term housing plans

• Buyers with strong equity

• People who value ownership

Bungalow for Rent

Rent bungalow options are ideal for:

• Flexible life planning

• Lower financial burden

• Test-living before purchase

Prefab Bungalow: A Modern Alternative

A prefab bungalow offers an attractive alternative to conventional construction. The advantages:

Prefab Bungalow Prices

• Cost efficiency: 20-30% cheaper than solid construction

• Calculable costs: Fixed prices without supplements

• Quick availability: Construction time only 3-6 months

Quality Advantages

• Factory quality: Precise manufacturing under controlled conditions

• Energy standards: Often meets high efficiency standards

• Warranty services: Comprehensive warranty from manufacturer