Bungalow vs. Raised Bungalow vs. Bungaloft: What’s the Difference?

A bungalow is a one-storey home with its main floor close to the ground. A raised bungalow lifts the main floor half a level, so the basement sits partly above ground with bigger windows. A bungaloft adds a partial second floor, or loft, above part of a bungalow. All three keep the main living areas and primary bedroom on one floor.

What is a traditional bungalow?

A traditional (or detached) bungalow is a single-storey house. The kitchen, living room, bedrooms and main bathroom are all on one level. There is usually a full basement below, which may be finished or unfinished.

The front door is typically just a few steps above the ground. That makes this the easiest style to live in without stairs. Many post-war bungalows across Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton and Oshawa follow this design.

For a full definition and a look at all the styles, see what is a bungalow.

What is a raised bungalow?

A raised bungalow sits higher out of the ground. You walk into a small landing at the front door, then go 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 larger windows than a typical basement. That makes it brighter and more livable. Raised bungalows became popular across the GTA in the 1970s and 1980s.

• Bright lower level, often with a family room, bedroom or two.
• Strong potential for a basement apartment or in-law suite.
• Stairs at the entrance, which can be a challenge for some.

Learn more in our guide to raised bungalows, or browse raised bungalows for sale.

What is a bungaloft?

A bungaloft is a bungalow with a loft level added above part of the main floor. The primary bedroom stays on the main level. The loft might hold a second bedroom, a bathroom, a family room or an office that often overlooks the living area.

Bungalofts are common in newer subdivisions and adult-lifestyle communities. They suit buyers who want main-floor living but need extra space for guests or grandkids.

Read everything you need to know about bungalofts for more detail.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature	Bungalow	Raised bungalow	Bungaloft
Main living on one floor	Yes	Yes	Yes, plus a loft
Stairs at the entry	Few or none	Yes, a short flight	Few or none
Basement light	Small windows	Large windows	Small windows, if any basement
Basement suite potential	Good, may need egress work	Very good	Varies
Extra space without basement	No	No	Yes, the loft
Aging in place	Best	Harder	Good, loft optional
Typical era in the GTA	Post-war to today	1970s to 1990s, some newer	Mostly newer builds

How do prices compare?

There is no fixed price order. Value depends far more on location, lot size, age and condition than on the style itself. An older bungalow on a wide Toronto lot can cost more than a newer bungaloft in a smaller town. Compare homes in the same neighbourhood, and ask your Realtor for recent sales of each style nearby.

Which one is right for you?

Choose a traditional bungalow if…

• You want the easiest possible access, now or in the future.
• You value a big lot in an established neighbourhood.
• You plan to stay long term and age in place.

Choose a raised bungalow if…

• You want rental income from a bright lower-level unit.
• You are housing extended family in separate spaces.
• You are comfortable with stairs at the entrance.

Choose a bungaloft if…

• You want main-floor living plus a separate space for guests.
• You like newer construction and higher ceilings.
• You want extra room without relying on a basement.

What to check at a showing

1. Count the steps from the driveway to the main floor.
2. Check the basement or lower-level ceiling height and window size.
3. Look for a separate side entrance or room to add one.
4. In a bungaloft, check heating and cooling in the loft.
5. Ask about permits for any existing basement apartment.

Frequently asked questions

Is a raised bungalow still a bungalow?

Yes. A raised bungalow keeps the main living areas on one floor. The difference is that the main floor sits higher, so the lower level is partly above ground.

Is a bungaloft considered a two-storey home?

Not usually. Because the primary bedroom and main living areas are on the main floor, a bungaloft is generally treated as a bungalow style, though listings may describe it differently.

Which style is best for a basement apartment?

Raised bungalows are often the best fit thanks to their bigger lower windows and higher lower level. Any second unit still needs permits and must meet building and fire code rules.

The bottom line

All three styles give you main-floor living. Pick a traditional bungalow for easy access, a raised bungalow for a bright, flexible lower level, and a bungaloft for extra space upstairs.

Not sure yet? Browse bungalofts for sale and compare them with the other styles in person.