Bungalow vs. Duplex — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on February 23, 2024
A bungalow is a single-story house, often with a large porch, whereas a duplex consists of two units in one building, sharing a common wall.
Difference Between Bungalow and Duplex
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bungalows are characterized by their single-level design, offering easy accessibility and a compact living space, making them ideal for individuals seeking simplicity and minimal stairs. In contrast, duplexes are defined by their two separate living units, which can be stacked vertically or side-by-side, catering to those looking for an investment property or a home with a rental unit.
The architectural style of bungalows often features wide verandas and an open floor plan, promoting a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. Duplexes, however, focus more on maximizing the use of the land by accommodating two households, each with its own entrance, thereby offering privacy within a shared structure.
In terms of ownership, buying a bungalow means owning a single-family home with its land, typically appealing to those desiring privacy and space. On the other hand, owning a duplex can provide the owner with the option to live in one unit while renting out the other, potentially covering mortgage costs or generating income.
Bungalows often come with a garden or yard space, providing a private outdoor area for relaxation or gardening. Duplexes might offer limited outdoor space for each unit, focusing instead on efficient use of the plot for residential purposes.
From an investment perspective, bungalows appeal to those looking for a standalone property with potential for personalization and expansion. Duplexes attract investors interested in residential income properties, offering the dual advantage of personal residence and rental income.
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Comparison Chart
Structure
Single-story, detached
Two units, shared wall
Design
Open floor plan, large porch
Separate entrances, may have two stories
Ownership
Single-family home
One building, two households
Outdoor Space
Often includes a garden or yard
Limited, shared or divided outdoor space
Investment
Personal use, potential for expansion
Rental income, live in one unit and rent the other
Compare with Definitions
Bungalow
Single-story house.
The cozy bungalow featured a sprawling front porch.
Duplex
Two-unit building.
The newly built duplex housed two families side by side.
Bungalow
Compact living space.
Their bungalow offered a quaint, manageable living area for the couple.
Duplex
Separate entrances.
Each unit in the duplex had its own private entrance.
Bungalow
Open floor plan.
The open floor plan of the bungalow created a spacious feel.
Duplex
Investment property.
Their duplex served as an investment, renting out one side.
Bungalow
Wide verandas.
The bungalow's wide veranda was perfect for evening relaxation.
Duplex
Shared common wall.
Noise was minimal despite the shared wall in the duplex.
Bungalow
Minimal stairs.
After her surgery, Jenna appreciated the bungalow's lack of stairs.
Duplex
Efficient land use.
The duplex maximized the small lot by accommodating two households.
Bungalow
A low house having only one storey or, in some cases, upper rooms set in the roof, typically with dormer windows.
Duplex
Having two apartments, divisions, or floors.
Bungalow
A small, usually one-story house, often having a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves, and a veranda.
Duplex
A house divided into two living units or residences, usually having separate entrances.
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled one-story house in India surrounded by a wide veranda; a similar house in this style.
Duplex
A duplex apartment.
Bungalow
A thatched or tiled house or cottage, of a single story, usually surrounded by a veranda.
Duplex
(architecture) Having two units, divisions, suites, apartments
Bungalow
A small house with a single story
Duplex
A house made up of two dwelling units.
Common Curiosities
Who might prefer a bungalow?
Those seeking single-level living without stairs, such as older adults or individuals with mobility issues, might prefer a bungalow.
Why choose a duplex?
A duplex is ideal for investors or homeowners looking for a rental income opportunity while living in one of the units.
What is a duplex?
A duplex is a residential building divided into two units with separate entrances, sharing a common wall.
Are bungalows more expensive than duplexes?
The cost can vary widely based on location, size, and condition, but bungalows might be more expensive due to land ownership.
What is a bungalow?
A bungalow is a single-story house, often featuring a wide porch and an open floor plan.
Can a bungalow be part of a duplex?
It's uncommon, as bungalows are typically standalone homes, but a single-story duplex could offer a similar layout to a bungalow.
Do both units in a duplex have their own utilities?
This varies; some duplexes have separate utilities for each unit, while others share utilities.
Can a duplex be a good investment?
Yes, duplexes can be excellent investments, offering rental income and the possibility of living in one unit while renting the other.
How does privacy compare in a bungalow vs. a duplex?
Bungalows typically offer more privacy, being detached homes, whereas duplexes share a wall, which might affect privacy.
What's the typical size of a bungalow?
Bungalows vary in size but are generally smaller and more compact than multi-story houses.
Can you expand a bungalow?
Yes, bungalows can often be expanded, either by adding a second story or extending the ground floor, subject to local zoning laws.
Do bungalows have basements?
Some bungalows have basements, but this varies by design and location.
Is it common for duplexes to have two floors?
Duplexes can be single or two-story, depending on the design. Vertical duplexes often have two floors.
How do duplexes handle outdoor space?
Outdoor space in duplexes is often limited and may be divided or shared between the two units.
Is maintenance higher for a bungalow or a duplex?
Maintenance can be higher for a bungalow due to its individual nature, whereas duplex maintenance costs might be shared.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
