Britain's most desirable bungalows revealed as buyers downsizing eye countryside and history

Britain’s bungalow market is drawing attention as buyers seek single-story homes with countryside views and historical character, even as supply remains tight. New research from the HomeOwners Alliance shows that in the past two years about 1.2 million people aged 55 and over have postponed moves because there aren’t enough one-storey homes available. In a survey of 2,000 homeowners, 38% said they would prefer a bungalow for their next move, highlighting a strong latent demand among older homeowners. The alliance notes that a lack of bungalows is a major barrier to downsizing, while the National House Building Council says bungalows accounted for only about 1% of new homes built last year, down from roughly 11% in the 1990s. The landscape reflects a broader market shift as buyers seek space, accessibility and character in retirement or semi-retirement years.

Against that backdrop, the Daily Mail has compiled a tour of some of the most desirable bungalows currently on the market in areas that are emerging as hotspots, including a £1 million seven-bedroom property in rural Kent, a £1.35 million Enfield home with a vast open-plan kitchen, and a rare standalone one-bedroom period conversion in Woolwich’s Grade-II listed Royal Military Academy grounds offered at £300,000. The feature also highlights other contenders in Devon, Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire, Scotland and Yorkshire as examples of how buyers are pursuing both countryside views and historic or architectural intrigue. The listings illustrate the breadth of today’s bungalow market: space, light, outdoor amenities and, in some cases, potential for expansion or income through annexes and outbuildings. Purplebricks, the listing agent behind several of the showcased homes, frames the properties as ideal for downsizers who still want room to entertain, work from home or generate extra income from ancillary accommodations.

Devon: a Buckland Brewer retreat with panoramic countryside views and a distinctive one-storey layout is on the market for about £700,000. The three-bedroom home sits just over two miles from the Devonshire coastline and features an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area designed for entertaining or unwinding in style. Modern fittings run throughout, with wooden flooring and doors that open onto a back garden. The master suite includes a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite, while a private swim spa adds a resort-like touch to year-round living. Outside, the property comes with a private double garage and driveway, and a short walk to the coast means residents can combine country living with beach access. A private garden and a large yard space round out the appeal for buyers seeking a tranquil base near the coast.

Wiltshire: tucked away on a quiet country road in Goatacre, this five-bedroom bungalow spans 1,843 square feet and is listed at £780,000. The home offers sweeping countryside views from the rear and a recently refurbished interior that centres on an open-plan kitchen-dining area with bi-fold doors that open to the garden. The layout includes two bathrooms—a main guest suite and a master shower room—plus a generous living room and a separate space for a family or media room. A front driveway accommodates multiple vehicles and there is a charging point for an electric vehicle, underscoring the property’s modern convenience. The residence sits near the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and is about 30 miles east of Bristol, making it attractive for commuters who prize rural peace without sacrificing access to city amenities.

Kent: in Sutton, approximately five miles from the popular seaside town of Deal, an expansive seven-bedroom bungalow sits on about an acre of countryside and is on the market for offers over £1 million. The main dwelling is a five-bedroom family home with a modernised kitchen, a dining room and a large living area, plus a conservatory that backs onto the garden. A two-bedroom annex provides flexible space for guests or potential rental income, and agents say the plot may support further development or expansion. The property’s scale and the potential to create separate living arrangements make it a standout in a county known for both pastoral beauty and proximity to London.

Enfield: in a quiet suburban road with rapid links to central London, a meticulously updated £1,350,000 bungalow offers 2,025 square feet of living space. The home centers on a vast open-plan living area with a kitchen that includes a breakfast island and folding doors opening to a garden-facing patio—perfect for entertaining on warm evenings. A separate garage offers standalone space that could be converted to a gym or home office, while two contemporary bathrooms—one family bath and a separate shower room—keep daily routines streamlined. Two detached outbuildings, including a summerhouse, extend the property’s appeal for home offices, studios or guest accommodation once needed space for larger gatherings returns.

Woolwich: in the heart of one of London’s most historic military sites, a rare one-bedroom standalone coach house within the Grade-II-listed Royal Military Academy grounds is on the market for £300,000. The property blends a cosy living area and kitchen, a well-sized bedroom and bathroom with access to a private south-facing garden. Communal gardens, a residents’ gym and cricket pitch add to the distinctive appeal of this heritage conversion, while private parking and concierge service offer practical conveniences in a central location. With no onward chain, the opportunity to own a piece of British military history attracts buyers looking for unique space with a London edge.

Nottinghamshire: a vast five-bedroom rural retreat set on 5.6 acres in Spalford is listed at £750,000. The property delivers 3,303 square feet of living space, including a 29-foot open-plan living area connected to a recently refurbished kitchen-diner and a separate lounge. There are two en-suite bedrooms and a four-piece family bathroom, along with a double garage and a sizeable driveway. The home sits within reach of rail links to London Kings Cross, offering a practical balance of rural seclusion and city-style connectivity. An outbuilding on the property presents a potential conversion opportunity for hobbies, a home studio or guest accommodation, depending on the buyer’s needs.

Scotland: a traditional sandstone bungalow about 20 miles outside Edinburgh is on the market for £300,000. The end-of-terrace home in East Solton features three bedrooms within 1,099 square feet, a cosy kitchen-diner with rustic wooden finishes and a living room with a working fireplace. A rear garden with a patio and shed completes a compact, character-filled package, positioned for easy access to local amenities and a manageable commute to the Scottish capital.

Yorkshire: near the Dales, a four-bedroom family bungalow is on the market for £500,000. The 1,493-square-foot home offers a modern, open-plan kitchen-diner, a living room and a snug. The master suite includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite, while three additional bedrooms provide flexible space for families or downsizers seeking extra room for guests or hobbies. The property sits in the tranquil community of Tadcaster, about 18 miles from Leeds, with easy access to the Dales and regional towns.

Taken together, the current slate of bungalows highlights a market that blends rural allure with urban convenience. Buyers appear to be prioritising single-story living, outdoor space and adaptable layouts that can accommodate work-from-home needs, guest spaces and potential income streams from annexes or outbuildings. The shortage is not new, but the willingness of buyers to pay for space and character is evident in the price points and planned expansions across regions. The Daily Mail round-up underscores the breadth of options available—from affordable one-bedroom coach houses on historic university estates to multi-tenant or multi-generational homes that suit families or retirees seeking a private retreat with a sense of place. As developers, agents and homeowners navigate this pace, the market for bungalows is likely to remain a focal point for discussions on downsizing, housing supply and the evolving needs of aging homeowners in Britain.