Bungalows for Sale in Waterloo Region: How to Find One

If you are looking for a bungalow for sale in Kitchener, Waterloo or anywhere in Waterloo Region, you already know the problem: there are not many of them, and the good ones do not last. Downsizers want one floor. Young families want a big lot. Investors want the basement. Here is how to find the right bungalow, what to check in an older one, and the questions buyers ask us most.

Why bungalows are hard to find here

Many of the region’s bungalows date from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, in neighbourhoods across Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, and in towns like Elmira. Since then builders have mostly built two-storey homes and townhomes, because they fit more house on a smaller lot. So the supply of bungalows is mostly fixed, while the number of people who want one floor keeps growing. That is why a well-kept bungalow often draws more than one buyer.

Who is competing with you

• Downsizers who want to stay in their neighbourhood without stairs.
• Families who want a wide, deep lot and a single-level layout with young children.
• Investors who see a basement that could become a second unit. Ontario allows up to three residential units on most urban residential lots.
• Renovators who plan to add a second storey.

Knowing who else is looking helps you write a stronger offer. A downsizer can often win with a flexible closing date rather than a higher price.

What to check in an older bungalow

A 60-year-old bungalow can be a wonderful home. It can also hide costs. Ask your home inspector to look closely at:

• Wiring. Older homes may have ungrounded circuits, an undersized panel or, rarely, knob-and-tube wiring, which some insurers will not cover. Ask your insurance company before you firm up an offer.
• Plumbing. Original galvanized pipes can be near the end of their life.
• The sewer line. Old clay sewer lines can crack or fill with tree roots. A camera scope of the line costs a few hundred dollars and can save thousands.
• An old oil tank. Some homes that once heated with oil still have a tank, buried or in the basement. Insurers often ask about it.
• Insulation and other materials. Vermiculite attic insulation and some older flooring and pipe wrap can contain asbestos. Your inspector can tell you when testing is worth it.
• Water in the lower level. Look for stains, a sump pump and the grading around the house.
• The roof, furnace, air conditioner and windows. Ask for ages and receipts.

If you are buying for one-floor living

Not every bungalow is truly one floor. Before you fall in love, check:

• Are there steps at the front door, or from the garage into the house?
• Is the laundry on the main floor, or in the basement?
• Are the hallways and bathroom doors wide enough if you ever need a walker or a wheelchair?
• Is there room for a walk-in shower?

Some changes, such as a ramp, grab bars or a walk-in shower, may qualify for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit. Check the current rules with the Canada Revenue Agency or your accountant.

The money questions

Property taxes

Bungalows often sit on bigger lots, which can mean a higher assessment than a newer two-storey of the same price. Ask for the seller’s last final tax bill.

The rented water heater

Ontario homes often have a rented water heater, and sometimes a rented furnace. The contract usually passes to you. Ask for the cost and the buyout.

Selling your current home first

If you are downsizing into a bungalow, read our downsizing guide on buying first or selling first, and get a free home valuation so you know what you have to work with.

How to find one before everyone else

Set up new listing alerts for bungalows in the areas you want, have your mortgage pre-approval ready, and be prepared to view in the first days a home is listed. Tell us the streets you love. Sometimes the best bungalow comes up through a neighbour before it is ever advertised.

See our Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Elmira community pages for each area.

Want to see what bungalows near you actually sold for? Join the Real Homes app with a free, confirmed account to see sold prices: www.realhomesapp.ca

Frequently asked questions

Why are bungalows so hard to find in Kitchener-Waterloo?

Many of the region’s bungalows date from the 1950s to the 1970s, and builders have mostly built two-storey homes and townhomes since. Supply is close to fixed while demand from downsizers, families and investors keeps growing.

What should I check when buying an older bungalow in Ontario?

Wiring and the electrical panel, old plumbing, the sewer line (a camera scope helps), any old oil tank, older insulation and materials that may contain asbestos, water in the lower level, and the ages of the roof, furnace and windows.

Is a bungalow a good choice for downsizing?

Often, because it offers one-floor living. Check for steps at the entrances, main-floor laundry and door widths, since not every bungalow is truly step-free.

Can I add a basement apartment to a bungalow in Waterloo Region?

Ontario allows up to three residential units on most urban residential lots, but a second unit needs permits and must meet the building and fire codes. Check with your city before you buy if that is your plan.

How do I find bungalows for sale before they sell?

Set up a new listing alert for bungalows in your areas, get pre-approved, and be ready to view in the first few days.