The main types of bungalows in Ontario are the detached bungalow, raised bungalow, bungaloft, backsplit, sidesplit, 1½ storey, bungalow townhome and condo bungalow. Each keeps most daily living on one main level, but they differ in stairs, space, upkeep and price. Knowing the differences helps you search smarter and avoid touring homes that will never suit you.
Key takeaways
- There are eight common bungalow types listed in Ontario.
- Detached and condo bungalows have the fewest stairs.
- Raised bungalows and splits offer bright, flexible lower levels.
- Townhome and condo bungalows trade yard space for lower upkeep.
- Exterior design styles, like ranch or Craftsman, are separate from layout types.
One-level bungalow types
1. Detached bungalow
The classic one-storey house on its own lot. All main rooms are on one floor, usually with a full basement. Many were built across the GTA in the post-war decades on generous lots.
Best for: downsizers, families with young kids and anyone planning to age in place.
2. Raised bungalow
The main floor sits half a level up, so the lower level is partly above ground with larger windows. You enter at a landing between the two levels.
Best for: buyers who want a bright lower level for a family room, in-law suite or rental unit. Compare it with other styles in our bungalow vs. raised bungalow vs. bungaloft guide.
3. Bungaloft
A bungalow with a loft level above part of the main floor. The primary bedroom stays on the main level, and the loft adds a guest room, office or family room.
Best for: empty nesters who still host family, and buyers who want newer construction.
Split-level and 1½ storey types
4. Backsplit
A split-level home where the front of the house looks like a bungalow and the back has extra levels. You usually step up a half flight to bedrooms and down a half flight to a family room.
Best for: families who want separate zones without full flights of stairs. Browse backsplit homes for sale.
5. Sidesplit
Similar to a backsplit, but the levels step down along the side of the house, so you can see the split from the street. Sidesplits often sit on wider lots.
Best for: buyers who like split-level living and a wider frontage. See sidesplit homes for sale.
6. 1½ storey
A home with a full main floor and a smaller upper floor tucked under a sloped roof, often with dormer windows. The primary bedroom may be on the main floor or upstairs, so check each listing.
Best for: buyers who love character homes and can manage some stairs.
Attached and condo bungalow types
7. Bungalow townhome
A one-storey home attached to neighbours on one or both sides. Many are freehold, while others are part of a condominium corporation with monthly fees.
Best for: downsizers who want one-level living with less exterior work. Explore bungalow townhomes for sale.
8. Condo bungalow
A bungalow-style home within a condominium community, often in adult-lifestyle developments. The condo corporation usually handles lawn care, snow clearing and exterior maintenance for a monthly fee.
Best for: retirees and travellers who want a lock-and-leave lifestyle.
Bungalow types compared
| Type | Stairs in daily life | Lower-level light | Exterior upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached bungalow | Minimal | Low | Full |
| Raised bungalow | Entry stairs | High | Full |
| Bungaloft | Optional loft stairs | Low | Full |
| Backsplit | Half flights | Medium to high | Full |
| Sidesplit | Half flights | Medium to high | Full |
| 1½ storey | Varies | Low | Full |
| Bungalow townhome | Minimal | Low to medium | Shared or reduced |
| Condo bungalow | Minimal | Varies | Mostly handled by condo |
Layout types vs. architectural styles
Listings describe layout, but you will also hear design terms. These describe the look, not the floor plan.
- Ranch: long, low and wide, with a low-pitched roof.
- Craftsman: deep porches, tapered columns and exposed rafters.
- Mid-century modern: clean lines, big windows and flat or low roofs.
- Ontario cottage: a compact, often symmetrical one-storey home seen in older towns.
A detached bungalow can be ranch-style or Craftsman. The layout tells you how you will live. The style tells you how it will look.
How to choose between bungalow types
Answer these questions before you start booking showings:
- Stairs: can everyone in your household handle half-flights or a raised entry, now and in ten years?
- Lower level: do you need a bright space for a suite, teens or extended family?
- Upkeep: do you want a yard and full exterior work, or would you rather pay a monthly fee?
- Budget: are condo or common-element fees part of your monthly plan?
Bungalow tip: If stairs are a concern, filter for detached, townhome and condo bungalows first. Split-levels and raised bungalows look like bungalows from the street but have more stairs inside.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common type of bungalow in Ontario?
The detached bungalow is the most familiar, especially in older GTA neighbourhoods. Raised bungalows and split-levels are also common in suburbs built in later decades.
Is a backsplit a bungalow?
A backsplit is a split-level home that looks like a bungalow from the front. It is often grouped with bungalows in searches, but it has half-flights of stairs inside.
What is the difference between a bungalow townhome and a condo bungalow?
A bungalow townhome is attached to neighbours and may be freehold or condo. A condo bungalow is part of a condominium community where fees cover shared maintenance.
Finding the right type for you
Start with how many stairs you can live with, then decide how much yard work and lower-level space you want. That narrows the eight types to two or three.
From there, browse every style in one place on our bungalows for sale page.
The newest bungalows on the market
Fresh listings, updated every 15 minutes.
$699,0007 Twenty Second Street, Toronto3+3 bed · 3 bath · Long BranchCourtesy of RE/MAX PREMIER INC.
$945,000257 John Tabor Trail E, Toronto3+2 bed · 2 bath · MalvernCourtesy of RE/MAX ATRIUM HOME REALTY
$1,145,000109 Gulliver Road, Toronto4 bed · 3 bath · Brookhaven-AmesburyCourtesy of RE/MAX REALTY SPECIALISTS INC.
$579,900964 Rainbow Crescent, Kingston2+1 bed · 2 bath · 13 - Kingston East (Incl Barret Crt)Courtesy of MCCAFFREY REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
$729,900118 Alva Street, Scugog3+1 bed · 2 bath · Port PerryCourtesy of Right At Home Realty
$449,0003 Perch Lane, Norfolk3 bed · 1 bath · Long PointCourtesy of BOSLEY REAL ESTATE LTD.,
