Bungalows have long been a favoured property type, especially for those seeking single-story living. With their easy accessibility, spacious layouts, and practicality for an ageing population, bungalows provide an ideal housing solution. Yet, despite their growing demand, there remains a significant national shortage of bungalows. Both regionally and nationally, developers have turned their focus to larger, multi-story homes, leaving many people, particularly the elderly, struggling to find suitable properties. This blog explores the reasons behind the shortage, the current bungalow landscape, and the steps that could be taken to address the demand for single-story living.
A National Shortage
Across the UK, there has been a notable decline in the number of bungalows being built. According to recent data, fewer than 2% of new builds in the UK are bungalows, despite growing demand from both elderly homeowners and downsizers looking for more manageable homes. The Government’s housing strategy, which places greater emphasis on maximising land use and building multi-story homes to meet housing targets, has inadvertently neglected the specific needs of a significant portion of the population.
The shortage has created a highly competitive market for bungalows, with those that are available often being snapped up quickly. As a result, prices for bungalows tend to be higher per square meter than multi-story homes, further limiting accessibility for those in need of single-story living.
An Ageing Population and Lack of Investment
The UK’s ageing population has been steadily increasing, with estimates suggesting that by 2040, nearly one in four people will be over the age of 65. This demographic shift has fuelled demand for accessible housing, particularly bungalows, as they provide an ideal solution for individuals with limited mobility.
Unfortunately, despite these clear needs, there has been little investment from the Government or developers in providing housing options for older generations. Instead, the focus has largely been on meeting overall housing targets by building higher-density properties. While this addresses immediate housing needs, it does not consider the longer-term requirements of an ageing population. Single-story homes, like bungalows, offer a practical solution for ageing in place, enabling individuals to maintain their independence without the need for significant home adaptations.
The North East and Northumberland
Regionally, the North East of England, including areas like Northumberland, has seen an even more acute shortage of bungalows. As local developers focus on building larger homes, those seeking to downsize or find single-story living face increasing difficulty.
At Altoria Homes, we recognised the significant lack of bungalows in Northumberland and the surrounding areas. We are proud to focus on filling this gap by developing thoughtfully designed, high-quality bungalows. Our mission is to provide homes that cater to those looking for lifelong living solutions, with the flexibility and accessibility that single-story homes offer.
Developments like our West Thirston project is aimed at addressing the regional shortage by building bungalows with modern amenities, customisable features, and sustainable technology. These homes are designed for ease of living and to meet the demands of those who require more practical housing options, without sacrificing style or quality.
Why Bungalows Matter
Bungalows are more than just homes; they offer a sense of independence, comfort, and ease of living. For those in later stages of life, they provide a safe, manageable environment without the need for stair lifts, mobility modifications, or navigating multiple levels. Bungalows are also highly adaptable, making them suitable for a range of life stages, from families with young children to retirees.
Moreover, the potential for futureproofing with modern technologies, such as air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, and underfloor heating, means that bungalows can offer not only accessibility but also sustainability. This makes them a smart long-term investment for those looking for homes that meet both their current and future needs.
Altoria Homes’ Commitment to Bungalow Living
At Altoria Homes, we believe in the value of building homes that last a lifetime. Our bungalows are not only practical and accessible, but they are also designed with luxury, style, and sustainability in mind. From customisable interiors to modern technologies, we offer our buyers the opportunity to create their perfect lifelong home.
Our commitment to meeting the needs of our community, particularly for those seeking single-story living, remains at the heart of everything we do. With the ongoing shortage of bungalows, we will continue to invest in developments that prioritise accessibility, comfort, and quality.
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