Bungalows on large plots in Devon

Owning a bungalow with more garden than you need is common, and it opens up several options in Devon. You can sell part of the plot and stay put, have a new home built on it for yourself or a relative, or look at replacing the bungalow altogether.

We’re a new brand within the S&K Group, offering both kinds of route: buying or partnering on the land, or designing and building on it while you keep it. Every scheme still needs planning permission, and that decision always rests with the council, so we start by checking what is realistic.

Brick bungalow on a wide plot in a quiet cul-de-sac with a very large garden to the side
Nation
England
National planning policy
NPPF
Planning authorities
10
City
Exeter

Before you start in Devon

Bungalow neighbours in Devon are often the most sensitive to a new home next door, because their living rooms and bedrooms are all at ground level and their gardens are open to view from above. Layouts that point windows away from side boundaries, use high-level glazing where needed, and leave a good distance between buildings answer most objections. For facing back windows, a figure of around 21 metres is used by many councils, but the deciding guide is always the one your own council publishes.

Planning authorities covering Devon include East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council, North Devon Council, Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council, Torbay Council, Torridge District Council, West Devon Borough Council.

How it works

  1. Free plot appraisal

    We look at the plot’s width and depth, the access, the planning history nearby and the character of the street, then talk through what you want. It’s free, with no obligation, and a site visit follows if it looks viable.

  2. Compare the options

    We sketch what could realistically fit: a home behind, a home beside, or a replacement scheme. You see the trade-offs for each, including what happens to your own garden and parking, before choosing a route.

  3. Choose your route

    You can sell a plot and stay put, sell subject to planning, grant an option, enter a joint venture, or keep the land and have us design, get planning for and build a new home on it.

  4. Planning application

    We prepare drawings and reports designed around single-storey neighbours and the street scene, usually seek pre-application advice, and submit. The council consults neighbours and makes the decision.

  5. Sale or build

    If you sell, your solicitor handles the transfer and any lender release. If we build, you receive a written quote after design and survey, and the new home is built and handed over to you.

Bungalows on large plots in towns across Devon

Questions about bungalows on large plots in Devon

Are bungalow plots in Devon good for development?

Some can be, because bungalows often sit on wider and deeper plots than houses. Whether yours works depends on width, depth, access, the street and neighbours. The council makes the planning decision, and a free appraisal is the way to find out.

Can I replace my bungalow with two houses in Devon?

It may be possible on a large enough plot, with planning permission. The council will weigh the number of homes, their height and bulk, parking, garden space and the look of the street. We assess this during the appraisal.

What routes do you offer for bungalow plots in Devon?

You can sell part of the plot, sell subject to planning, grant an option, enter a joint venture or combine with neighbours. Or you keep the land and we design, get planning for and build a new home on it.

Do I need my own solicitor to sell a plot in Devon?

Yes, always. Your solicitor checks the contract, deals with the transfer of part at HM Land Registry and asks your mortgage lender to release the plot if the house is mortgaged. On option and promotion agreements we cover your reasonable legal fees, with the cap agreed in heads of terms before work starts.

Other options in Devon

Everything we cover in Devon

Find out what your garden could become

Free garden plot appraisal. No cost, no obligation, and a straight answer if it won’t work.