4 bed detached house or 3 bed detached bungalow

[Threemangoes]

Right I have posted another thread on potentially leaving our house purchase 6 weeks in for a bungalow that has just pooped up on market in a better location.

Bungalow: 3 double beds, modern conservatory with tiled roof, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and diner, double garage, private garden with tall trees at the end.
House: 4 bed with 2 box rooms, 3 toilet/baths, kitchen diner, old conservatory no insulation, double garage, private garden backing on other gardens/garages.

Both are same price. Are we mad to prefer the bungalow? We have never lived in one. Kids are 18 months, 11 and 13 year old.

I would stick with the house for the sole reason of the bungalow not having enough bedrooms for you

You can prefer whatever you want. Us all being different is what makes the world work.

I’d prefer the house by your description but if everyone wanted the same house we’d be screwed.

The house offers more space especially if you have three kids

We have a bungalow which previous owners extended into the loft. Up there is a large bedroom and an en suite bathroom. Could you afford to add an extra bedroom that way. Our teenager then had more privacy.

You don't mention reception rooms downstairs with three children you'll need space there too

To clarify -

Is the house 4 bedrooms + 2 box rooms
Or
2 pricier bedrooms + 2 box rooms ?

I wouldn't choose less bedrooms, but also I had a friend who lived in a decent sized 4 bed bungalow, with three kids. She said it felt like they were on top of each other all the time as there is not the separation of two floors.

How would you manage with 3 bedrooms when you need 4? It sounds like you aren't especially keen on the house you're currently proceeding with, is that right? I'd say neither if that's the case.

When you say box rooms, what dimensions? Some people's idea of box rooms is a lot bigger than others'!

I think I'd go for the house based on the description so far.

On the other thread you mentioned school runs, that is relevant

Bungalows are really popular with families around us. We now live in a bungalow, absolutely love it. And to find one with 3 double bedrooms isn’t easy, we looked for a while as needed 3 doubles, en-suite, and kitchen/breakfast room, rarely use our lounge now. Bungalows achieve better prices as on a bigger plot etc. I would go for the bungalow tbh. Bungalows are in demand.

From the limited info Bungalow

4 beds in total but 2 are box rooms 2.90 x 2.55m

They really are box rooms with 2.90 x 2.55m dimensions

Yes bungalow would be an 8 min bike ride for kids but house is a 10-15 min drive

We don't really need the 4th bedroom. Little one sleeps in our room and she can share the room with my older girl. Son will also be off to uni in 5 years and there is potential to convert the garage.

No we also love the house and location is better for bungalow

How easily could you do a loft conversion or extend (and could you afford to)?

Bungalows tend to have greater value and also usually sit on a larger plot. Are you likely to be able to afford to extend into the loft of the bungalow in the future - or extend out to make more space.
The house has an older conservatory so - are you likely to be able to use that as a room all year round - or will it just become a dumping ground? You also mention no insulation in the house - so you will need to spend money there.

If the bungalow is in a better location - I would definitely go with the bungalow as it's likely to hold its value batter and if you are going to be there longterm will probably have more potential to extend and add even more value.

Go for the one you like the most! Follow your heart. You could extend a bungalow quite easily in the future

See I live in a 3 floor townhouse currently with kitchen and living room on ground floor and 4 double beds on first and second floor. And kids only want to be downstairs and hate going upstairs

The box rooms are too small to make decent bedrooms for teenagers.

However, if you bought the bungalow, I also don't think it is realistic for an 11 year old (of either gender) to share with an 18 month old.

Could you buy the bungalow and plan to extend it?

Or look for a Plan C...

If the rooms aren't an issue then I'd choose the bungalows. I grew up in them and love them, so nice having everything on one floor. School run is a big consideration too.

I'd take the bungalow. I love them. As pp said, having everything on one floor is great. Plus it's nearer school and you won't need to drive there. I avoid town houses as while they look charming, it's a inconvenience trekking up to the top floor when you forget something. I like an easy life though!

I would go for the bungalow, a good one can actually feel spacious , like a very large flat- they are also very saleable

You can not expect a child who will be doing GCSEs in a few years to share with a toddler/ reception primary age sibling . Stick with the house . You can make the smaller rooms work for a single bed and clever storage and desk space . Our 4th room is smaller I think and had a double guest bed in it at one point - Previous owners had it as a teen bedroom

Bungalow