Bungalow vs Maisonette: Which Should You Build?

Both are popular Kenyan choices. We break down cost, space, future expansion and resale value.

A bungalow is a single-storey house — easier to build, cheaper per square foot, and ideal for families with young children or elderly residents. A maisonette is a two- or three-storey house, often offering more floor area on a smaller plot.

Bungalows are typically 15–25% cheaper to build because they require less complex structural work. However, they demand a larger plot footprint to achieve the same internal area.

Maisonettes win on land efficiency and resale value in urban Nairobi, where plots are smaller. They also separate sleeping and living zones nicely, which many families prefer.

Our rule of thumb: if your plot is below 50x100, lean towards a maisonette. Above quarter-acre, a bungalow gives you the garden lifestyle most clients dream of.