Small bungalows in Ontario range from compact wartime houses and lakeside cottages to bungalow townhomes and condo bungalows. They offer one-level living at a lower entry price than larger detached homes, and many have charm you won’t find in newer builds. This tour shows you each type, who it suits and what to check before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Small bungalows can be a more affordable way into one-level living.
- Older small homes often have big lots, which add long-term value.
- Layout and storage matter more than square footage in a small home.
- Inspect older small bungalows closely for wiring, insulation and foundation issues.
Why buyers love small bungalows
A small bungalow is easy to heat, clean and maintain. You live on one level, so there’s no hauling laundry up and down stairs. Many sit on established streets with mature trees and room for a garden.
For first-time buyers and downsizers, a smaller home can also free up money for travel, savings or renovations. And because many are on decent lots, they often have room to grow later.
Stop 1: The wartime house
Wartime houses were built quickly for workers and returning veterans. They’re usually one-and-a-half storeys, with a steep roof, a simple boxy shape and a small front porch.
Who it suits: First-time buyers and couples who want a detached home in an established neighbourhood.
What to check: Small bedrooms upstairs under the roof slope, older wiring and limited insulation. Many have already been updated, so ask what’s been done.
Stop 2: The post-war starter bungalow
These modest brick bungalows appear across Scarborough, Oshawa, Hamilton and St. Catharines. They usually have two or three bedrooms, one bathroom and a full basement.
Who it suits: Young families and buyers who want to finish the basement over time.
What to check: Original windows, the age of the roof and furnace, and signs of water in the basement. Browse affordable bungalows for sale to see examples.
Stop 3: The cottage-style bungalow
Small cottage bungalows dot lakes and small towns in Simcoe, Muskoka-area communities and the Kawarthas. Some are year-round homes, while others were built as seasonal cabins.
Who it suits: Retirees, remote workers and anyone who wants a quieter pace.
What to check: Whether it’s insulated and winterized for year-round use, the well and septic system, road access in winter and insurance availability.
Stop 4: The bungalow townhome
Bungalow townhomes give you one-level living with shared side walls. Many are part of planned communities, often with a small yard or patio.
Who it suits: Downsizers and budget-minded buyers who want less yard work. Explore bungalow townhouses for sale across the GTA.
What to check: Sound between units, any condo or common element fees and parking.
Stop 5: The condo bungalow
A condo bungalow is a one-level home within a condominium corporation. The corporation usually looks after landscaping, snow removal and some exterior repairs.
Who it suits: People who travel often or want very low maintenance.
What to check: Monthly fees, the reserve fund, rules on pets and renovations, and the status certificate. Your lawyer should review it before your offer is firm.
Small bungalow types compared
| Type | Typical setting | Upkeep | Growth potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wartime house | Older urban neighbourhoods | Moderate | Rear addition or rebuild |
| Post-war starter | Inner suburbs | Moderate | Finish basement, add a suite |
| Cottage bungalow | Lakes and small towns | Higher (well, septic, roads) | Limited by zoning and shoreline rules |
| Bungalow townhome | Planned communities | Low | Limited |
| Condo bungalow | Adult lifestyle communities | Very low | Very limited |
How to make a small bungalow live larger
A small home works best with smart planning. Before you buy, picture how you’ll use each room.
- Look for an open or semi-open kitchen and living area.
- Check closet space and whether the basement can handle storage.
- Notice natural light, which makes small rooms feel bigger.
- See if a bedroom can double as an office or guest room.
Our post on small bungalow design ideas has more practical tips.
Bungalow tip: Bring a tape measure to showings. Measure the main bedroom wall and the living room’s longest wall so you know if your bed and sofa will fit.
Budgeting for a small bungalow
A smaller home can lower your purchase price, but the full cost of ownership still matters. As of September 2026, the minimum down payment is 5% on the first $500,000 of the price and 10% on the portion above that, up to $1,499,999.
Older small bungalows often need updates soon after you move in. Set aside money for the items an inspection flags, such as windows, insulation or an electrical panel. Closing costs commonly run 1.5% to 4% of the price, so plan for those as well.
Our buyer calculators help you test payments, and a mortgage agent can confirm what you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Are small bungalows a good investment?
They can be, especially on good lots in established areas where land holds value. Condition, location and price still matter most, so compare recent sales nearby.
Can I expand a small bungalow later?
Often, yes. Options include finishing the basement, a rear addition or a second storey, depending on zoning, structure and permits.
Are cottage bungalows good for year-round living?
Some are, and some aren’t. Confirm insulation, heating, water supply, septic and year-round road maintenance before you buy.
Finding your small bungalow
Small bungalows pack a lot of charm and practicality into a modest footprint. Choose the type that fits your life, then inspect carefully and plan how you’ll use the space.
Want to see new small bungalows as soon as they list? Set up listing alerts by city and price.
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