How Much Does It Cost To Build A Bungalow In The UK? A Complete Guide

If you’ve decided to build a bungalow in the UK, you may need to be aware of things that are important to you. The most important thing is the budget. But let’s be honest: you’d want to be clear before you take a step to build a beautiful bungalow for your retirement or if you have a dream to make it, whether for selling purposes or living. 

It can be overwhelming with the number of costs involved, from the average building cost per square meter to construction materials to those infamous hidden costs. 

How much does it cost to build a bungalow in the UK? And what could unexpectedly drain your budget?

This blog comes in to save you from the guesswork. Let’s look at average costs for a 100 m² Bungalow the average cost is estimated around £1,500 – £2,000 per square metre to expensive: £2,500 – £3,000 per square metre depending on location.

You’ll need construction materials for this—whether environmentally friendly construction materials or regular construction materials, how to save costs working with builder merchants and construction material suppliers. We’ll share tips and important information you can rely on at the end of this guide; you won’t just know about the cost of building per square metre but also all the things that can affect the final cost of your dream bungalow.

What Is a Bungalow, and Why Do People Prefer It?

So, what is a bungalow? A bungalow, as you’ve probably noticed, has become a bit of a favourite for many in the UK. It’s got that perfect mix of functionality, luxury and just the right size for many people, whether they’re families or anyone who just retired and wants to live in a separate space for the rest of his life. 

But What Really Drives People Towards Bungalows?

The people who love to live in Bungalows say they want to live in a private, separate, safe, full of accessibility and having every need someone needs. It’s not just about the layout; it’s also about the costs, construction options, and how well it can adapt to different needs. Building a bungalow comes with its price tags and decisions. If you’re building a bungalow for yourself, keep an eye on these construction costs per square metre, house construction prices, and hidden costs of new buildings.

How Much Does It Take to Build a Bungalow?

The good news is that, as of July 2024, the average cost of construction materials is down by 0.3%.

The cost to build a house and the cost to build a bungalow in the UK has a clear difference and vary on average, as is the case with prices of construction materials and labour today. The costs start to add up depending on if you’re building a single storey home or are looking to build an extension on two storeys. 

Here is a rough idea of the average building cost per square metre (usually around £1,500 to £2,500, depending on the quality of materials and where you are building).

In addition, if you want more features, like a unique design, using modern and sleek design, or choosing old-fashioned classic Viking-style roofing, you have to be ready for a big budget. From construction supplies to choosing eco-friendly building materials, every decision impacts the final bill, and often in unexpected ways.

Types of Bunglaow and Building Cost for Each in the UK?

The cost of building a bungalow depends on the type of design you need. What customised designs can you use with different add-on facilities? We will discuss traditional, chalet, dormer, and other types here.

1. Traditional Bungalow

They are classic, cosy and usually single story, with a simple layout. They give the iconic British feel. There’s a steady demand for traditional bungalows for downsizers and mostly retired persons prefer. Its single-storey design requires a large land area, which adds up the cost in cities or the desirable spots. 

• The rough idea of cost estimation of the Traditional bungalow is around £200,000 – £500,000

2. Chalet Bungalow

Chalet bungalows provide a second level; they have dormer windows that add extra space while keeping it from feeling like a complete two-story house. It is a perfect choice for those who do not want the feeling of a multi level home, but still want a bit more space. Because of that extra structure with a perfect styling, they can be a bit more expensive. It’s like having a two storey house dressed up as a bungalow, which is charming and functional.

• The rough idea of cost estimation of the Chalet style bungalow is around £250,000 – £700,000

3. Dormer Bungalow

Dormer bungalows are the same as the chalet style, with the same idea of an upper level but usually more elaborate or modern dormer windows. Its upstairs is designed to make the most of space and light. The dormer extensions can be more expensive because they are harder to combine with the main structure. Families who like the single-storey downstairs but want more breathing room appeal to them. They are more valuable and pricier because of their versatility, privacy, and unique layout options.

• The rough idea of cost estimation of the Dormer style bungalow is around £300,000 – £800,000

(this image is just used for an idea)

4. Semi-Detached Bungalow

These bungalows are a bit more affordable because they share a wall with their neighbour. Sub-urban areas are popular and they are usually single-storey but can be two-storey as well. Another reason they are cheaper is because they use less land per unit and are very useful in congested areas. These bungalows might have their own gardens, their own entrances, and sharing a wall with a neighbour also means lower building costs, so they are a great for a low budget.

• The rough idea of cost estimation of the Semi-Detached style bungalow is around £180,000 – £350,000

5. Single-Storey Bungalow

In this type of bungalow everything is on one level, pure bungalow style. Great for those who want easy access with few stairs. The main thing here is land; single-story homes need more land. Perfect for retirees or anyone wanting a more compact, open feel without stairs. The design is also quite straightforward which is an attractive feature for many potential buyers.

• The rough idea of cost estimation of the Single-Storey Bungalow is around £200,000 – £600,000

6. Two-storey bungalow (like a Chalet or Dormer)

These bungalows have an extra level up top, which gives them the bungalow feel downstairs and a bit more space for bedrooms or storage up top. More materials and more building expertise are used to keep that ‘bungalow’ aesthetic. This results in a high construction cost.

• The rough idea of the cost of two storey extension or a Bungalow is around £250,000 – £800,000

This picture is used just for an idea

7. Three-Storey Bungalow

These are often custom builds, where each floor has the open, low-profile feel of a bungalow . They are expensive because of the complexity of a three-storey design. In the countryside or private developments where land is plentiful, and families want something different these types of bungalow are a good option.  

• The rough estimate of the cost of the Three-Storey Bungalow is around £500,000 and up.

What Factors Cause the Cost to Go High?

When you opt for a better design and structure for your customised-style bungalow, the pricing will go up, and you have to take that into consideration.

• If you do not check the material pricing from the market, you might spend more money on buying low-quality products.
• Without proper consultation, you may buy more material than you need, which can be a factor that increases expenses.
• High costs and slow-progressing labour can drain your budget.
  Most people opt for dark tiles or cedar shakes like Viking roofing style; they can be pricier.
• Using modern stone cladding, such as natural stones and expensive, stylish ceramic stones, can cause a high surge in pricing.
• Costs can also increase by incorporating sculptures and stone pathways.
• Victorian conservatories feature ornate frames and vintage windows that can add charm and practicality—but they come at a cost.
• Feature walls with natural wood, such as reclaimed wood cladding, add warmth and rustic appeal to a space but can be pretty expensive.

How much time is required to build a bungalow in the UK?

Building a bungalow generally takes between six and twelve months. However, several factors can slow down the completion process. The budget needs to be sufficient to cover the required materials and pay the construction workers, ensuring that the work doesn’t come to a halt. Rain can also delay construction, and access to electricity at the site is crucial, especially if you’re building in a remote area.

Is Building a Bungalow a Cheaper Option or an Expensive One?

Building a bungalow isn’t just an ordinary house or flat; it can be a dream come true. That’s why it can be costly, especially if you choose your preferred materials and make changes according to your family’s preferences. The original cost estimation we shared earlier provides a general idea of the expenses involved.

Summary

It’s a great idea if you have enough budget and dream of having a new bungalow in the UK—you can start today. All the essential things and factors to consider are discussed in this blog, providing you with the perfect way to avoid any pitfalls. 

This blog has provided you with the distinctive types of bungalows in the UK and the factors that can cause an increase in your budget. Whether it’s dealing with builder merchants, construction material suppliers, or finding eco-friendly building materials, the choices are plentiful and can really make a difference to the quality and cost of your build.

We hope you now have enough understanding of what you need to know about the construction of a new bungalow in the UK. After learning all the prerequisites, you can contact our expert construction service for consultation and site inspection. Buon Construction is a multi-purpose construction company that has all the expertise you need to build your bungalow.

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