Bungalow
The bungalow offers single-storey living at its finest. All rooms on one level, no stairs to navigate, and typically surrounded by garden space – bungalows provide accessible, practical living that's increasingly rare on Malta's densely built islands.
Key Characteristics
Single Storey
All living space on one level – no internal stairs required. The defining feature of bungalow living.
Accessible Living
Step-free or minimal-step access makes bungalows ideal for those with mobility considerations or planning for the future.
Garden Space
Typically includes surrounding garden or outdoor area, providing green space and room for outdoor living.
Bright Interiors
Single-storey design often allows for larger windows and better natural light throughout the property.
Types of Bungalows
Detached Bungalow
Fully standalone single-storey property with no shared walls. The classic bungalow offering maximum privacy and garden on all sides.
Semi-Detached Bungalow
Shares one wall with a neighbouring bungalow. More affordable while still offering single-level living and private garden.
Bungalow with Underbuild
Single-storey living above a basement or underbuild level used for garage, storage, or utility space.
Converted Bungalow
Properties converted to single-level living, sometimes from farmhouse outbuildings or other rural structures.
Bungalow Features
No Internal Stairs
All rooms on one level eliminates stairs entirely – safer, more accessible, and easier to maintain.
Garden Access
Direct access to garden from living areas, often through patio doors – seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Larger Footprint
Without multiple floors, bungalows spread horizontally, often with generous room sizes and wide hallways.
Basement/Underbuild
Many bungalows include below-ground space for garage, storage, laundry, or additional rooms.
Outdoor Living
Patios, terraces, and gardens are common, extending living space outdoors in Malta's favourable climate.
Future-Proof Design
Single-level living accommodates changing mobility needs – a practical long-term housing choice.
Privacy
Detached bungalows offer privacy without overlooking neighbours – no one above or below.
Easier Maintenance
Single-storey properties are generally easier to clean, maintain, and make repairs to – no high ceilings or roof access issues.
Bungalow vs Other Property Types
| Feature | Bungalow | Villa | Maisonette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floors | Single storey | 1-2 storeys | 2-4 storeys |
| Stairs | None (or external only) | May have internal | Internal stairs |
| Structure | Detached | Detached | Attached |
| Garden | Yes, surrounding | Yes, larger | Yard or terrace |
| Pool | Possible | Common | Very rare |
| Availability | Rare | Limited | Common |
Where to Find Bungalows
Gozo
The sister island offers more space for bungalows, often in rural or village-edge settings.
Mellieħa
Northern Malta with larger plots and quieter areas where bungalows can be found.
Marsaxlokk area
Southern coastal areas with some bungalow properties in quieter locations.
Żejtun (outskirts)
Village edges in the south with occasional bungalow properties.
Mġarr
Rural village in Malta with larger plots suitable for single-storey homes.
Dingli
Quiet village near the cliffs with some bungalow and single-level properties.
Understanding Bungalows in Malta
The bungalow is one of Malta's rarest property types. In a country where land is precious and multi-storey construction maximises every square metre, the luxury of spreading out on a single level is unusual and increasingly sought-after.
Why Single-Storey?
Single-level living offers practical benefits that become more valuable with time. No stairs means easier navigation, reduced fall risks, and simpler day-to-day living. For those with mobility considerations – or those planning ahead – bungalows provide a home that adapts to changing needs without requiring modifications.
The Scarcity Factor
Bungalows are rare because they're inefficient by Maltese standards. A 150 sqm bungalow needs 150 sqm of land, while a two-storey house achieves the same floor area on 75 sqm. With Malta's limited land and high demand, builders typically go up, not out. This scarcity makes bungalows desirable – and often premium-priced when they do appear on the market.
Underbuild Advantage
Many Maltese bungalows feature an underbuild – a basement or lower level beneath the main living floor. This provides space for garages, storage, utilities, or additional rooms while keeping the main living entirely on one accessible level. It's a practical compromise that adds functionality without sacrificing the single-storey living experience.
Garden Living
Bungalows typically come with surrounding garden space. This isn't just an aesthetic bonus – direct garden access from living areas creates a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. In Malta's climate, this extends your living space significantly for much of the year.
Retirement and Beyond
Bungalows are particularly popular as retirement properties. The practical single-level layout, garden space for relaxation, and typically quieter locations align with the lifestyle many retirees seek. However, bungalows suit anyone who values accessibility, easy maintenance, and ground-level living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bungalow?
A single-storey detached property with all living space on one level. No internal stairs, typically with garden and possibly a basement underbuild.
Why are bungalows rare?
Malta's scarce land favours multi-storey construction. Bungalows need more land for the same floor area, making them inefficient – and therefore uncommon.
Good for retirement?
Excellent choice. No stairs, easy navigation, simple maintenance, and typically quiet locations make bungalows ideal for retirement or accessibility needs.
Do bungalows have gardens?
Yes, most include private gardens. Detached bungalows typically have garden on all sides with direct access from living areas.
Where to find bungalows?
Gozo has the most, plus rural Malta: Mellieħa, Mġarr, Dingli, and village outskirts. Very rare in dense urban areas.
Bungalow vs villa?
Bungalows are strictly single-storey; villas can be 1-2 floors. Both are detached with gardens. Villas are typically larger, more luxurious, and more likely to have pools.
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