What Is a Raised Bungalow? Layout, Pros, Cons and Suite Potential

A raised bungalow is a one-storey home whose main floor sits about half a level above the ground. You enter at a landing, then walk up a short flight to the main floor or down a short flight to the lower level. Because the lower level is partly above grade, it has large windows and feels much brighter than a typical basement.

How a raised bungalow layout works

From the street, a raised bungalow looks taller than a regular bungalow. The front door often sits at the top of a few outside steps or at grade with an inside landing.

• Main floor: kitchen, living and dining rooms, bedrooms and a main bathroom.
• Lower level: family room, extra bedrooms, a second bathroom, laundry and often a walkout or side entry.
• Garage: sometimes tucked under part of the main floor or attached at the side.

The lower level usually has higher ceilings than an older bungalow basement. Combined with large windows, it can feel like a true second floor of living space.

Raised bungalow pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Bright, livable lower level	Stairs at the entry, every time
Strong potential for a second unit	Split entry can feel cramped
Often more space for the price	Less suited to aging in place
Good for multigenerational households	Some original layouts feel dated
Lower level is easier to finish nicely	Older homes may need updated systems

Why raised bungalows are popular for basement suites

The same features that make the lower level bright also make it practical as a separate unit. Larger windows help with light and egress, and the split entry can often serve both units.

Ontario rules allow up to three residential units on most urban residential lots with services, subject to local zoning and code requirements. A legal second unit generally needs:

1. A building permit from your municipality.
2. Fire separation between units.
3. Proper egress windows or exits from bedrooms.
4. A separate entrance or a compliant shared one.
5. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that meet code.

Brampton and many other GTA cities also register second units. Check the rules where you are buying. Our guide to egress windows explains one of the key requirements.

Who should buy a raised bungalow?

First-time buyers and house hackers

Renting out the lower level can help carry the mortgage. As of September 2026, first-time buyers can get a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage. A mortgage agent can tell you whether and how rental income may count toward qualifying.

Multigenerational families

Grandparents, adult children or extended family can each have their own space with a shared entry.

Growing families

Kids get a bright lower-level rec room, and parents get more breathing room upstairs.

If stairs are already a concern, a detached bungalow with a level entry may be a better fit. See our comparison of bungalows, raised bungalows and bungalofts.

What to inspect before buying a raised bungalow

Many raised bungalows in the GTA date from the 1970s and 1980s, so some original systems may be near the end of their life. Book a full home inspection, and ask the inspector to focus on:

• Moisture: check lower-level walls, floors and window wells for signs of water.
• Grading: soil should slope away from the house.
• Windows: original windows may need replacing for comfort and egress.
• Electrical: confirm the panel can handle a second kitchen if you plan a suite.
• Heating: a single furnace serving two units may need upgrades for separate control.
• Front steps and landing: look for cracks, settling and loose railings.

Popular raised bungalow updates

Owners often modernize raised bungalows with a few targeted projects:

• Opening the wall between the kitchen and living room.
• Widening the entry landing or replacing railings with glass or metal.
• Adding a side entrance for a legal second unit.
• Refreshing the exterior with new siding, a new front door and a modern porch.

Structural changes need permits and, often, an engineer. Get advice before removing any wall.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a raised bungalow and a bungalow?

A regular bungalow has its main floor near ground level with a mostly below-grade basement. A raised bungalow lifts the main floor half a level, so the lower level is partly above ground with bigger windows.

Are raised bungalows a good investment?

They can be, especially when the lower level can become a legal second unit. Returns depend on price, location, condition and local rules, so run the numbers carefully.

Are raised bungalows good for seniors?

They are harder for anyone who struggles with stairs, because every trip in or out involves steps. A stair lift or ramp may help, but a level-entry bungalow is often a better fit.

The bottom line on raised bungalows

A raised bungalow gives you two bright, usable levels and strong flexibility for family or rental income. The trade-off is stairs at the entry.

If that works for you, browse raised bungalows for sale and set up listing alerts so you see new ones first.