Bungalows are the rarest single-family home type in the GTA — and among the most sought-after. A bungalow is a single-storey home where all living space is on one level, with no stairs required to access the main living areas. In a region where two- and three-storey homes dominate the residential stock, bungalows stand out for their accessibility, renovation potential, and the appeal they hold for specific buyer segments. Whether a bungalow is the right choice depends on what you need and what you're willing to pay for it.
What Exactly Is a Bungalow?
A bungalow is a detached residential home where the primary living spaces — bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, living and dining rooms — are all on a single floor at or near grade level. The term originated in South Asia and was popularized in North American housing throughout the early-to-mid 20th century. In Ontario, most bungalows were built between the 1940s and 1970s, and they're disproportionately located in inner suburbs: Scarborough, East York, North York, Etobicoke, and the older cores of Mississauga, Hamilton, and similar cities.
Some bungalows include a basement — finished or unfinished — which can provide additional living space, a rental suite, or storage. A bungalow with a basement suite is a particularly attractive option in the GTA, as both levels can be rented or the owner can occupy one level while renting the other.
A raised bungalow is a variation where the main floor is slightly elevated above grade, with the basement partially above ground — allowing for larger basement windows and better natural light in the lower level.
Why Are Bungalows Rare in the GTA?
Bungalows are increasingly rare in the GTA for a simple reason: land is expensive, and a bungalow uses an entire lot for one storey of living space. In a high-value real estate market, single-storey construction is an inefficient use of land. Builders have had little incentive to construct new bungalows in the GTA for decades. Almost all bungalows in the region are original mid-century homes — aging stock in established neighbourhoods.
Their scarcity drives demand. When a bungalow comes to market in a desirable GTA neighbourhood, it typically attracts both end-user buyers and builders looking for a knockdown-rebuild opportunity. This bidding pressure often pushes bungalow prices above what the home's condition might otherwise suggest.
Who Should Buy a Bungalow?
Bungalows appeal to a specific set of buyers in the GTA. Understanding who they're ideal for helps clarify whether one is right for your situation.
Downsizers and Empty Nesters
The most common buyers of GTA bungalows are downsizers — typically buyers in their 50s and 60s who are selling a larger family home and want to simplify. A bungalow offers all the functionality of a house — backyard, garage, parking, storage — without the stairs that become more challenging with age. Many buyers in this segment specifically require single-level living and will pay a premium to find it.
Buyers With Accessibility Needs
Bungalows are the most practical option for buyers or household members with mobility challenges. No stairs, step-in showers, and wide doorways — often found in bungalows or easily retrofitted — make bungalow living significantly more accessible than two-storey homes. For buyers who anticipate accessibility needs in the near future, buying a bungalow rather than a two-storey may be the most practical long-term decision.
Buyers Planning to Renovate or Add a Suite
GTA bungalows present a significant renovation opportunity. Their open floor plans, deep lots, and structural simplicity make them easier to renovate extensively. Many buyers purchase bungalows specifically to:
- Add a second storey, converting the bungalow into a two-storey detached
- Finish or convert the basement into a legal rental suite
- Add a garden suite in the rear yard
- Undertake a full interior renovation while preserving the single-storey layout
The "bungalow addition" — adding a second floor to an existing bungalow — is one of the most common renovation projects in older GTA neighbourhoods. It allows buyers to enter at bungalow pricing and create significantly more living space over time.
Investors
Many GTA real estate investors target bungalows specifically for the income potential of a main floor suite plus a finished basement. A bungalow in Scarborough or North York purchased at $900,000–$1,100,000 may generate $3,500–$4,500/month in combined rental income from two units — making the numbers more viable than a standard detached two-storey in the same area.
What Does a Bungalow Cost in the GTA?
Despite their age and often outdated interiors, bungalows command premium prices in desirable GTA neighbourhoods. The land value is the primary driver. In 2024–2025:
- Scarborough / East York / North York: $900,000–$1,300,000
- Etobicoke / Lakeshore: $1,100,000–$1,600,000
- Mississauga / Brampton: $800,000–$1,100,000
- Hamilton / Durham Region: $600,000–$900,000
Bungalows in central Toronto neighbourhoods (The Beaches, Leaside, Davisville Village) regularly exceed $1.5–$2 million. The more desirable the neighbourhood, the higher the land value underneath the bungalow.
What to Inspect on a Bungalow
Most GTA bungalows are 50–80 years old. Before buying, a thorough home inspection is essential. Key areas to assess include:
- Foundation: Poured concrete vs. block foundations, any settlement or water infiltration
- Roof: Age, condition, attic insulation — bungalow roofs cover the full footprint of the house and can be expensive to replace
- Plumbing: Original cast iron or copper pipes; galvanized steel pipes in older homes are a red flag
- Electrical: Knob-and-tube wiring is common in pre-1950s bungalows and will be flagged by insurers
- Heating system: Age and condition of the furnace, which must heat the entire main floor efficiently
Before buying any home, review our guide on what to inspect before buying a home and consider pairing a general home inspection with a specialist if you're concerned about specific systems.
FAQ
Are bungalows a good investment in the GTA?
Yes — bungalows in the GTA have historically been strong investments because of their land value, renovation potential, and the consistent demand from downsizers, accessibility buyers, and investors. Their scarcity also protects against price softening from new supply. The main risks are the cost of renovation if the home needs work, and the premium price relative to condition.
Can you build a second storey on a bungalow in Ontario?
Yes. Adding a second storey to a bungalow is permitted in most Ontario municipalities, subject to zoning setback requirements and building permits. In Toronto, most residential lots zoned for single-family use allow two-storey additions. A structural engineer, architect, and building permit are required. Many buyers purchase bungalows specifically intending to add a second floor.
What is a raised bungalow?
A raised bungalow has its main floor slightly elevated above grade, which allows the basement level to sit partially above ground. This typically results in larger basement windows and better natural light in the lower level, making it more livable as a secondary suite. Raised bungalows are common in 1960s–1970s suburban developments across the GTA.
Is it hard to find a bungalow in Toronto?
Yes. Bungalows represent a small and shrinking share of the GTA housing stock. In many Toronto neighbourhoods, they've been torn down and replaced with larger homes, or converted through second-storey additions. Buyers specifically looking for a bungalow need to be prepared for limited inventory and competitive bidding when one comes to market. Setting up listing alerts is essential.
What is the difference between a bungalow and a ranch-style home?
Bungalows and ranch-style homes are both single-storey, but ranch homes are typically longer and lower-profile, emphasizing horizontal spread on larger suburban lots. In Ontario, the term "bungalow" is the common usage for single-storey detached homes. For practical purposes in the GTA market, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Searching for a bungalow in the GTA? Browse Toronto homes for sale on Condohill and filter by property type to find available bungalows in your target neighbourhood. Or check our guide to what to look for when viewing a house to know what to assess before making an offer.