Bungalows are a relatively rare type of property in the UK.
They make up between 7 – 8% of UK property.
But their demand outstrips their supply.
Here’s a guide to the UK’s typical selling times for bungalows.
Bungalow: A Definition
Bungalows are typically single-storey properties found in suburban and rural areas.
(Nowadays, some have loft conversions or basements, so ‘single-storey’ doesn’t always apply.)
They usually have one:
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Garden.
They are popular with older buyers, especially those over 65. Some of these have mobility issues; others want to downsize.
The term ‘bungalow’
The English word bungalow comes from the Hindi word baṅglā, which means ‘belonging to Bengal’.
It came into English after British workers built small cottages, adapted from a local Bengal style, in India during the late 17th century and early 18th century.
Before this word existed, structures that we would call bungalows did exist but didn’t have a unique name.
Do bungalows sell quickly?
There are conflicting reports on this.
According to the estate agency Belvoir, a bungalow takes about 75 days to receive an offer after being listed on the market first.
This compares to 63 days to sell a house and 76 days for a flat.
By contrast, research by Hamptons (widely reported but no longer available), found that bungalows took just 53 days to sell. This makes them the fastest property type to sell!
How to speed up bungalow sales
1. Focus on the benefits
Bungalows come with unique benefits that can’t be unlocked in other ways.
For some people, this is a unique and exciting opportunity. Make sure to emphasise these advantages in your marketing.
2. Choose the right estate agent
Choosing the right estate agent is an essential part of selling your home.
Some estate agents will have experience selling bungalows. Ask about their track record with this property type.
And just as importantly, do they have a database of older people who may be interested?
3. Price your bungalow well
Price is crucial when you want to speed up a sale.
You don’t usually have much negotiation power with a bungalow. But if you’re willing to be flexible, it can make life easier.
4. Update your bungalow
You should decorate or remove outdated features if you can afford it.
This can range from painting to replacing carpets. It depends on the bungalows’ precise condition.
5. Make sure it looks good
Staging is crucial for selling property. It’s an especially great place to start if the same person has lived there for a long time.
You can then focus on curb appeal by:
- Mowing the grass
- Trimming hedges
- Tidying away clutter
- Making repairs.
Prepare for common questions and concerns
People viewing bungalows often have the same concerns. Your estate agent can advise on what these are.
Make sure to have answers ready for all of these questions. Land fees should be crystal clear. And planning permissions must be outlined in writing.
Likewise, clarify how easily buyers can get a mortgage on your home. All these subjects are ‘hot topics’.
