What is a bungalow home?

Key takeaways

• Bungalows were designed around livability rather than square footage and remain popular more than a century after their rise to popularity.
• While the Craftsman is the most common type, regional variations include Mission, Tudor and Prairie bungalows.
• Many bungalows were built between 1905 and 1935, meaning owners may face costly upgrades to wiring, plumbing, foundations, windows and roofing.

Bungalow homes are one of the most recognizable residential styles in the United States — historically an entry point for middle-class people into homeownership — known for compact forms, simple front entries, and one- or one-and-a-half-story layouts.

"The bungalow was a by-product of urban planning principles that evolved as the streetcar revolutionized transportation in the United States," said Michael Shafir, director of architecture and building classification for Homes.com.

"As a result, they were highly engineered to fit compact residential lots. Loaded with built-ins and planned for intimate living, the bungalow is a house shape rather than a distinct style."

For buyers comparing types of home layouts, bungalows sit in a distinct category: single-family, usually one level and built around livability rather than size. This article covers what defines them, where they came from, what it's like to own one and what buyers should consider.

Most bungalows share a set of exterior features that make them easy to identify from the street.

Bungalows tend to be built from local materials in a conservative way: wood, stone and brick chosen for durability and texture rather than ornamentation.

Inside, the layout reflects the same design intent. Interiors typically include open yet cozy spaces, built-in cabinetry, handcrafted wood detailing, wide trim, fireplaces and abundant windows, according to Alper Yuksekogul, founder of Ecay Design, a Southern California building design firm.

"Bungalows are intentionally modest in scale," Yuksekogul said. "Every square foot serves a purpose, with emphasis on craftsmanship, proportion and livability."

Adam Hofer of Douglas Elliman in the Hamptons in New York described a similar pattern in the markets he covers: low-slung profiles, open living spaces, built-in cabinetry, fireplaces and compact functional layouts that vary from home to home.

Key characteristics:

• The one-story houses occasionally have partial upper levels with a dormer.
• Bungalow, as originally used in the 20th century, is not an architectural style but a house type. 
• The most popular bungalow styles in the 20^th century, when they first gained attention, were Spanish Revival and Tudor (both Eclectic styles) and Prairie and Craftsman (both Modern styles).

The word "bungalow" comes from the Hindi bangla, describing single-story Bengali dwellings with thatched roofs and open porches. British colonial officers adapted the form in India as early as the 18th century, and by the mid-1800s, the style had reached Britain and then the United States.

In the United States, the bungalow first took hold in California. Architects Charles and Henry Greene began designing Craftsman-style bungalows in Pasadena, California, around 1903, applying Arts and Crafts principles: preferring natural materials, visible joinery and handcrafted detail over the heavy ornamentation found in styles like the Colonial Revival. Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie-style movement pushed bungalow design further with horizontal lines, open floor plans and a closer connection between the home and its surroundings.

By the 1910s, bungalows had spread nationwide. Mail-order kit companies like Sears, Roebuck & Co. and the Aladdin Company of Michigan shipped pre-cut materials by rail, and shelter magazines promoted the style to middle-class families across the country.

"The craftsmanship in 1910 to 1930 builds is far better than what you see in houses going up today," said Ryan Hawker, a U.S. Air Force veteran and co-founder of H3 HomeBuyers in Scottsdale, Arizona, who has flipped close to 30 bungalows in the Dayton and Cincinnati area. That build quality might help explain why so many bungalows remain standing and livable more than a century later.

The Craftsman bungalow is the most widely recognized sub-style, but regional variations reflect local climates, materials and building traditions. Here are the six types buyers encounter most often.

Craftsman: These bungalows, considered the standard-bearer, feature low-pitched gable or hipped roofs, natural wood or shingle siding and wide front porches with tapered columns. Rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement, this style remains the most common bungalow type nationwide.

California: These bungalows — which share Craftsman DNA but lean into indoor-outdoor living for mild climates, often using stucco, redwood shingles and horizontal siding — are especially concentrated in Los Angeles, Pasadena (home to the landmark district known as Bungalow Heaven), Long Beach and Berkeley.

Chicago: These are brick-built, typically one-and-a-half stories over a full basement and designed to fit narrow city lots: About 80,000 Chicago bungalows remain standing, making up roughly one-third of the city's single-family housing stock, according to the Chicago Bungalow Association.

Mission: Influenced by Spanish colonial architecture, Mission bungalows incorporate clay tile roofs, stucco exteriors, arched doorways and wrought iron details. Mission bungalows are most commonly found in the Southwest and California, where the region's Spanish architectural heritage heavily influenced residential design.

Tudor: Half-timbered exteriors, steeply pitched rooflines, asymmetrical facades and prominent chimneys give Tudor bungalows a medieval English character distinct from other sub-styles. Tudor bungalows gained popularity during the 1920s and are frequently found in established neighborhoods throughout the Midwest and Northeast.

Prairie: Echoing Frank Lloyd Wright's design principles, Prairie bungalows feature low-hipped roofs, strong horizontal lines, wide central chimneys and earthy color palettes that tie the home to its surroundings. Prairie bungalows are most closely associated with the Midwest, particularly Illinois and Wisconsin, where the Prairie School architectural movement first took hold.

Bungalow owners often highlight the same qualities.

"The craftsmanship is remarkable. The scale is human. The front porch is a lifestyle," said Steve Jolly, a real estate broker at Benchmark Realty in Nashville, Tennessee, and 20-year owner of a 1920s Craftsman bungalow.

Realness comes up often.

"They feel authentic," said Yuksekogul. "The scale encourages connection rather than isolation."

Abundant windows fill interiors with natural light, and the front porch functions as a daily extension of the living space, not just a visual feature.

The single-story layout also offers a practical benefit that becomes more valuable over time. With the living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms all on one floor, bungalows are well suited for aging in place since there are no stairs between any living areas. The smaller footprint often means lower utility costs as well.

"The charm hides weaknesses," Jolly said. "These homes were designed for a different era."

Kitchens, bathrooms and closets are often smaller than what today's buyers expect. Ceiling heights may be lower. And structural changes are harder than they look.

"You can't just remove walls because most of them are load-bearing," Hawker said.

Yuksekogul echoed that point.

"Expanding the home while preserving its integrity requires careful planning," he said.

"The charms and limitations are inextricably linked," Jolly added.

In other words, the same features that give bungalows their character also create the most common maintenance challenges.

Space is also a challenge outdoors.

"Smaller lots require intentional design," said Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, a firm in the Atlanta, Georgia, area that manufactures and distributes building materials.

His recommended solutions include modular hardscapes, built-in seating and vertical landscaping to maximize usability without overwhelming the home's proportions.

Most bungalows on the market today were built between 1905 and 1935, which means they are approaching or already past the century mark. Buyers should plan for aging mechanical systems, not just cosmetic updates.

"The biggest issue is always maintenance," Hawker said. "These houses have knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply lines (older steel water pipes prone to corrosion) and cast iron drains. Foundations are old block and stone, and almost all of them need work."

Knob-and-tube wiring, common in homes built before the 1940s, is outdated and can be a fire hazard. Galvanized steel and cast iron pipes corrode over time, leading to leaks, low water pressure and potential health risks if lead solder was used in joints.

"Expect to fully rewire the house, update sewer lines and do all the soffit work," Hawker said. "These renovations absolutely kill most investors if they are not ready for them."

Beyond systems, costly preservation projects include structural reinforcement, seismic retrofitting (especially in California), foundation repairs, roof replacement and restoring original wood windows. According to Yuksekogul, these updates require thoughtful design rather than simply installing modern finishes.

"Updating kitchens and bathrooms while keeping historic proportions is one of the most common and costly challenges for owners," he said.

"Original millwork, built-in cabinetry, exposed beams and handcrafted woodwork are difficult to replicate and often represent the home's greatest long-term value," Yuksekogul said.

Jolly offered a similar perspective: "Buy because you love what it is, not to change it completely."

One misconception worth addressing: Many buyers assume older bungalows are inherently inefficient or impractical.

"When thoughtfully restored with modern mechanical systems, insulation improvements and careful space planning, these homes function exceptionally well," Yuksekogul said.

Many bungalow homes sit in designated historic districts, which can affect what you can change after purchase. If a property carries landmark status or falls within a district boundary, exterior modifications typically require review and approval from a local preservation commission before work begins. That includes changes to siding, roofing materials, windows, porch details and sometimes paint colors.

This review process can extend project timelines by weeks or months, but it also protects neighborhood character and supports long-term property values.

"Working with a designer who understands preservation guidelines helps balance modernization with the home's architectural identity," Yuksekogul said.

Request the local preservation guidelines before making an offer. Knowing the rules upfront prevents surprises during renovation planning.

Bungalows are concentrated in cities and suburbs that experienced major residential growth between 1905 and 1935. The bungalow boom of the early 20th century was tied to the rise of the streetcar, as electric trolley lines extended outward from city centers and developers built housing for a growing middle class. That pattern means bungalow-heavy neighborhoods tend to cluster in the West, Midwest and parts of the South.

Some of the strongest markets for bungalow buyers include Pasadena, California, where the California bungalow originated and the Bungalow Heaven landmark district preserves one of the largest concentrations in the country. In Chicago, Illinois, the city's signature brick bungalows remain a major share of the single-family housing stock. And in Portland, Oregon, neighborhoods like St. Johns offer walkable access to waterfront parks and local businesses, with well-preserved Craftsman bungalows in neighborhoods across the city.

Beyond these metropolitan areas, many older first-ring suburbs contain pockets of bungalows built during the same era. Buyers who expand their search outside city limits often find better pricing and less competition for similar architectural quality.

Bungalows have clear architectural strengths, but the costs of owning a home that may be 80 to 120 years old are significant.

"Buyers should engage a contractor experienced with pre-war construction, get a thorough inspection and build renovation contingencies into their budget," Hofer said.

Here is a quick-reference checklist based on the issues covered throughout this article:

• Hire a specialized inspector. Look for a home inspector with experience in pre-war construction, not just a general residential inspector. 
• Budget for system upgrades. Wiring, plumbing and foundation work are common needs in homes of this age. 
• Check historic district status. If the home carries a historic designation, exterior renovations may require commission approval. 
• Assess structural walls. Verify which interior walls are load bearing before assuming an open-concept conversion is possible. 
• Research comparable sales. Look at recent bungalow sales in the same neighborhood for pricing context, since condition and system updates can create wide price gaps between otherwise similar homes. 

For a full walkthrough of the purchase process, see Buying a home in 10 steps.

"Location, condition and lot size drive price more than the style label," Hofer said. "In the Hamptons, a bungalow can list well above $1 million. In other markets, the same style might be under $200,000."

Age and condition of mechanical systems significantly affect pricing within any market.

They can be. Lower price points and smaller footprints make bungalows accessible in many markets. However, first-time buyers should be prepared for the maintenance demands that come with an older home. A thorough inspection is essential before making an offer.

It depends on local zoning, the home's structural capacity and whether the property sits in a historic district. Adding a full second story changes the home's profile significantly and may require design review from a preservation commission. Many owners choose dormer additions or rear extensions instead, which can add usable space without altering the street-facing character of the home.

Both generally are small, single-story homes, but bungalows are defined by specific architectural features: prominent front entries, modest exterior detailing and highly functional interior layouts.

"Bungalows have specific architectural DNA," Hofer said. "'Cottage' is more of a catch-all for any small, cozy home."

A cottage may or may not have a front porch, and the term does not imply any particular roof style or construction tradition. Cottages are generally Romantic-era styles such as Gothic Revival, Italianate and Folk Victorian.

It depends on the region and sub-style. Chicago bungalows almost always include a full basement, which is one of the defining features of that particular form. In other regions, bungalows may sit on a crawl space or a slab foundation. Buyers should confirm the foundation type during inspection, since older basements can have moisture problems, outdated drainage or foundation walls that need reinforcement.