Bungalow for a young family?

[UniqueShaker]

Hi

We've seen a property we would like to view. It's a bungalow. It's got a lovely private garden with fields behind and all rooms are a decent size. Theres no field view due to all the trees behind the fence but I like the privacy aspect nonetheless. However, a big part of liking this bungalow is that it's tucked away. If a housing estate was built behind it would certainly change my love for it and that does need to be considered. At least when there are houses behind already you know what to expect and that it's unlikely to ever change.

I've noticed it's been on the market a few months. It looks like it's been renovated to sell and looks like the perfect blank canvas. We would probably need to add a small extension for a playroom and en suite somewhere but with it being single storey living we don't need to rush for a playroom as the kids bedrooms will all be on the same floor.

I just don't know whether I should consider a bungalow as we were hoping to live in a street with other children for the kids to play. I'm also concerned that bungalows are harder to sell and there's a chance we could move on again in the future (not sure this house move is our forever home just yet).

Are there any young families living on a small cul de sac of bungalows that can share their view. Do you love it or regret it?

We've not booked a viewing yet. We're relocating so I want to make my mind up over the fact it's a bungalow before travelling to see it.

Thanks

Just because there are other children in the road, doesn't mean to say your DC will end up playing with them, like them. We lived in two different roads while DD was growing up, there was one girl in each street in the same school year and she didn't like them. There was a lad in the second street, she'd chat to sometimes at school but they never socialised outside school.

If you're close to local schools, playgroups, it's easy to arrange playdates with other parents who live within a short distance.

Not sure if this answer helps as our bungalow isn't on a cul-de-sac (wish it was!). We moved here when youngest DC was 6. It's a brilliant house. We have added a lounge extension since we've been here. Bungalows often have good plots. I haven't regretted it for a minute. The rooms are flexible so no defined rooms that have to be bedrooms, this has been great as they've grown. Sometimes shared and had a playroom.
I imagine a cul de sac would be great for playing out/bikes etc. that is the one thing we missed. Some of our neighbours are older which has been lovely for the kids as they've grown.
It's definitely worth viewing IMO!

Two of my friends have bungalows and they are probably my favourite houses out of my friendship group. Somehow the space is very relaxing, the rooms flow well, and are spacious and light . They are just nice houses to be in.

Why would you say that bungalows are difficult to sell? I’m looking to move and need a bungalow for accessibility, they seem hugely more expensive than the equivalent two story house, plus they are much rarer.

I can’t understand how something could be simultaneously more valuable and more difficult to sell.

We bought our bungalow four years ago, and we absolutely love it! It had been on the market for over two and a half years, which I still find hard to believe—it has so much potential.
Since moving in, we’ve added an extension, which is one of my favorite things about owning a bungalow—you can always expand it if you need more space. When we bought it, we told ourselves we might move again in 5 to 10 years, but now I feel like I never want to leave.

I especially love the view (you can call the local council to check whether the surrounding land has been sold. We did this to make sure there weren’t any new developments planned nearby).

I think bungalows should be easy to sell: they're ideal for elderly or disabled people who can’t manage stairs, as well as families who want spacious living and the potential to extextend. It's definitely is perfect for our family.

I grew up in single story villa. Lived abroad so would be called a bungalow here. I don’t get the hate for them it’s a brilliant set up.

Bungalows are great and easy to sell on. But I wouldnt buy a house with a field behind it, even if there are no current plans for development, even if the land is designated as 'protected' or not for building on, you can never guarantee it and if its sold for housing you'll be living a waiting game for ages and then on a building site after that.

I grew up in a bungalow from age 4, worked very well for our family I think, big garden, private space. DM still there more than 50 years on and as it's one level she plans to stay.
As pp there were some other children in the road but we didn't get on so didn't matter if they were there or not.
Given a choice I would choose to live in a bungalow again.

We used to live in a bungalow on a very quiet street (no other kids) next to a field (great for being quiet (was a bit concerned that one day the field would get planning permission and we would be dwarfed by new builds but obviously that didn't really impact us day to day). Was quite nice having the quiet street when they were learning to bike ride etc but where we live now there are other kids and easier walking distance to shops. I would happily live in a bungalow again though with kids if location was good

Bungalows are usually highly sought-after round here, and often sell at a premium. It could have been on sale for a while due to delays with probate or something like that, and having the renovation work done too. But, as you say, it could be that there is a planned development nearby, and that has put off some potential purchasers.

I'd love a bungalow, come to think of it.

Just yesterday I was thinking that I can't understand why more families don't live in bungalows. They are often on generous plots so plenty of space to play and also to extend if and when necessary. They're so easy to maintain as nothing needs scaffolding or high ladders and of course there are no stairs to worry about.

A huge plus for us with a bungalow is that you can put a door of some sort out from any room you choose so flow and access is great.

We lived in a bungalow when I was at primary school. It was fine. We lived in a village so there were plenty of kids nearby.
What's the area like for families in general?

a bungalow with kids and dogs is perfect you are all on same floor makes it much more social and easy to keep eye on children and saves you moving when you get old. if your concerned about the land being built on find out from neighbours etc if there is anything in pipeline

That’s my experience too. We are in the process of downsizing to a bungalow at the moment, and they are so rare! And the ones that do come up for sale often need complete renovations doing. And the prices are crazy…

I personally love bungalows. Like PPs I feel they have a very relaxing flow and often light with good size rooms.