Bungalows are back: why single-storey homes are becoming a top choice for buyers
With spacious layouts, sustainable design and beautiful surroundings, new-build bungalows are redefining later-life living - and selling fast
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With spacious layouts, sustainable design and beautiful surroundings, new-build bungalows are redefining later-life living - and selling fast
04 December 2025
3 mins read
For those who have been delaying their downsizing plans, confirmation of the Chancellorโs recent Budget may be just the nudge they need to move forward. And even for homeowners unaffected by its changes, many people in later life are increasingly drawn to the ease and long-term practicality that bungalows offer.
But while bungalows are enjoying a renewed appeal thanks to the generous space and convenient single-level living they provide, thereโs one major obstacle: supply. As highlighted, bungalow numbers have fallen sharply in recent years. In fact, they accounted for just 1 per cent of new-build homes last year, a steep decline from 11 per cent in 1990.
โThis scarcity comes from development economics where builders can achieve higher returns from multi-storey homes on the same plot of land compared to that of a bungalow,โ explains Katy Reynolds, an Associate at 51ยายืโs Cheltenham New Homes team. โThis has made new-build bungalows particularly rare in the current market and as a result - rather valuable, especially when they combine modern energy efficiency with desirable locations.โ
For the new-build bungalows that are coming to market, their premium is often well justified. For those approaching retirement, they present an attractive alternative to assisted living: the ease of single-storey living without the high service charges commonly associated with retirement housing. Many also offer private gardens, off-street parking and truly detached layouts, delivering privacy, tranquillity and a strong sense of independence.
Developers are increasingly designing spacious bungalows in desirable settings, often exceeding the square footage of comparable new-builds with the same number of bedrooms. Reynolds highlights Hayfield Heights as a prime example, a collection of 50 homes including a variety of two-bedroom bungalows priced from £650,000 to £895,000. Set within the charming village of Gotherington, residents will enjoy access to scenic Cotswold countryside walks and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Around 60% of the homes sold to date at Hayfield Heights are bungalows, a clear sign of their appeal. โAt Hayfield Heights we have bungalows extending to 1,512 sq ft, all with garages and some with detached double garages - the sort of floor space youโd typically expect from a four-bedroom home,โ she says. โThis means beautiful, generous living areas, with modern bifold doors that open straight out onto the garden.โ

Buyers planning ahead are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency and sustainability, not only for environmental reasons but for the reassurance of lower future bills. All homes at Hayfield Heights will have an EPC A rating, thanks to air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, underfloor heating and enhanced insulation. These features deliver a 26% biodiversity net gain as household CO2 emissions could be reduced by up to 92% compared to the average detached home in Gotherington.
โIn recent years, weโve seen a huge shift in buyers focusing on energy efficiency,โ Reynolds explains. โNew builds retain heat exceptionally well so youโre not constantly feeling cold, and the low maintenance requirements and warranties provide enormous peace of mind later in life.โ
Another standout example is Kingโs Water in the Cotswolds - a gated, lakeside development within walking distance of Ashton Keynes. Its bungalows proved so popular that they all sold out in advance of completion, Reynolds notes. Developer Bewley Homes worked with ecological experts to protect and enhance the surrounding natural environment, resulting in an impressive 18% net gain in biodiversity habitats, with the homes built with sustainability at their core.
Reynolds acknowledges that bungalows can carry outdated stereotypes. โPeople sometimes assume theyโre small, stuffy or only suitable for older buyers,โ she says. โDevelopers are now creating beautifully designed spaces with real architectural interest. Kingโs Water is a great example, with the living area in the bungalows incorporating double-height glazing creating beautiful, light-filled spaces.โ
With demand high and supply limited, securing a bungalow on a desirable development requires a proactive approach. โIโd advise visiting developments early and registering your interest,โ says Reynolds. โDepending on the build schedule, bungalows may be released later on. By joining the priority list, youโll be notified as soon as they become available, often before they reach the open market.โ

Bungalow, 0.81 acres

Bungalow, 1733 sqft


Bungalow, 1339 sqft

Development, 1165 sqft


Bungalow, 2 acres

Bungalow, 2111 sqft

Bungalow, 1378 sqft

Bungalow, 1339 sqft

Bungalow, 1450 sqft

House, 22.72 acres

House, 14.65 acres
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