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Two-Bedroom Homes: Everything You Need to Know
Hello, and welcome to WRX Property Group’s website and blog. On our journey to discuss everything there is to know about buying or selling a home Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph, we’ve also tried to cover many broader topics in the wonderful world of real estate.
Starting today, we will be embarking on a week-long series on the different styles and layouts of homes available for 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom homes – and who might benefit from each size. Before diving into two-bedroom homes, you might want to take a look at an earlier article explaining the different terminology regarding types of property, types of buildings, and style of homes (click here).
With that out of the way, let’s start on today’s subject: two-bedroom homes.
See Two Bedroom Homes for Sale in Kitchener-Waterloo
Layouts
For the most part, two-bedroom homes are the least spacious of the formats we’ll be discussing. Just like the other formats, though, they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many two-bedroom homes are bungalows (detached, one storey home), and there will typically be one master bedroom (or master suite) and one slightly smaller bedroom.
Some two-bedroom bungalows have both bedrooms on the main floor, whereas some have the master bedroom on the main floor and the second bedroom in the basement (often with a den and second bathroom). Master bedrooms may or may not have an en-suite bathroom.
Bungalows with bedrooms on the same storey can feature adjacent bedrooms (sometimes favoured by young parents), or bedrooms separated by other rooms (often one or two bathrooms, depending on whether or not there’s a en-suite).
Another layout for two-bedroom homes is a bungaloft (a bungalow with a second half storey, either above part of the main floor or above a garage), or even a full two storey. In the bungaloft layout, often the second bedroom will be located above the garage.
Though smaller, two-bedroom homes don’t need to feel small. Making use of attic space is a great way to store possessions that aren’t needed on a regular basis, and it can be even converted into a cozy little alcove to spend time in.
Some two-bedroom formats feature dens (whether in the basement, or on the main level), and let it be stated: do not underestimate the value of a den! Two-bedroom homeowners can also capitalize on garage space and lawn space to ensure that, although their home itself is smaller, there are plenty of places to spend time.
A benefit of less space is less potential for clutter, and fewer areas that need to be kept tidy. Two-bedroom homes provide much easier upkeep than their larger counterparts. Two-bedroom homes can also be great for anyone with limitations on their mobility – particularly one storey (bungalow) two-bedroom homes.
In terms of heating and cooling costs, one less bedroom means one less space to add to your monthly bills (not to mention the smaller space overall). And speaking of reduced bills, two-bedroom homes also tend to have significantly lower prices than comparable three- or four-bedroom homes, which means lower mortgage payments, and the potential for a lower down payment.
Lifestyles
The features, functions, and formats of a two-bedroom home can benefit a wide variety of people, with a wide variety of circumstances. What sorts of people are most commonly drawn to two-bedroom homes? First of all, two-bedroom homes are typically quite popular with young families who are just starting out.
Sometimes this is a couple planning to have children in the future, or a small family with one child and more on the way. As a smaller, young family, the additional space in homes with 3+ bedrooms isn’t always needed right away, and one Master bedroom plus one extra bedroom (sometimes converted into a nursery) can be perfect.
Two-bedroom homes are great for first-time homebuyers; their lower price point means you won’t have to worry about making a large downpayment, and monthly mortgage payments should work out to be comparable to rental prices of a similar home (indeed, mortgage payments can be lower than equivalent rental prices, with the added benefit of ownership).
Again, for young families, a two-bedroom can be a great investment and living space for several years, during which time they can save towards a larger home as their family and financial security grows.
Two-bedroom homes are great for individuals and couples without plans for children, roommates, and parents with only one child, and divorcees who won’t have children living with them permanently. As we said, two-bedroom homes serve as an excellent starting point for young, growing families, but they’re also a great progression for older families that are starting to spread out.
For parents whose kids have left (or are leaving) the family home, larger homes can end up being more spacious than they need or want. As older parents transition into life without kids running around, and start to prepare for retirement, larger homes can become less attractive.
So-called ‘empty-nesters’ often sell the larger family home in order to downsize to a more manageable two-bedroom home. This has two benefits: for one, there’s less space to worry about keeping clean. The second benefit of selling a larger home and buying a two-bedroom home is that downsizing will free up some money (sometimes a significant amount of money) to spend on other things, to invest, or to set aside for retirement.
Finally, two-bedroom homes can be perfect for people later on in their lives, and post-retirement (particularly bungalow models, in which everything is on the same level and not overly spread out). Two-bedroom homes with just one storey can have all the space a retired individual or couple could need, yet without requiring frequent trips up or down stairs.
Location is also a factor in what sort of home you choose. Generally, homes closer to (or directly within) dense urban areas are smaller, and homes in more suburban neighbourhoods (and newer developments) tend to be larger.
If you’re looking to buy a home in one of the many attractive Downtown Kitchener neighbourhoods, for example, a two-bedroom home may be your best option (in terms of availability and affordability, if that is a major factor for you).
Living in one of the rapidly growing neighbourhoods in southwest Kitchener, on the other hand, will typically mean a larger home, with three-bedrooms or more and a lot more space overall. But don’t underestimate the value of a smaller, two-bedroom home in a bustling neighbourhood.
Yes, suburban homes tend to be larger, but because homes closer to the downtown core (or other busy areas) have much more things nearby to see and do, residents have the option to easily spend time out and about the city, negating the need for more space at home.
Conclusion
Two-bedroom homes certainly have their perks, and for many people, they’re the ideal format. If you’re in the market for a two-bedroom home, then WRX Property Group would be happy to answer any questions you have, or to join you on your journey for the perfect home.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to know more!
Written by Will Kummer