Lacombe Park Home Styles: A Buyer's Guide to BUNGs, ST2s & Bi-Levels
Lacombe Park isn't a neighbourhood of clones. Walk any block and you'll see bungalows beside two-storeys beside bi-levels, each with its own footprint, its own character, and its own ideal buyer. Since 2010, the MLS has recorded three dominant styles here — and understanding them before you shop saves time, money, and disappointment.
The Style Breakdown
| Style | Sales Since 2010 | Share | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bungalow (BUNG) | 701 | 37.8% | $350K–$650K |
| Two-Storey (ST2) | 550 | 29.7% | $400K–$700K |
| Bi-Level (BLEVL) | 208 | 11.2% | $325K–$550K |
| Other styles | 393 | 21.2% | Varies |
Three out of every four homes sold in Lacombe Park fall into one of those top three categories. Here's what each one means for your life, your budget, and your future resale.
Bungalows: The Lacombe Park Standard
701 bungalow sales make this the definitive Lacombe Park home. These are single-storey dwellings — living, dining, kitchen, and bedrooms all on one level. Most were built between 1975 and 1995, which means mature lots, established trees, and floor plans that prioritize functionality over flash.
Who They're For
- Retirees and empty-nesters who want to eliminate stairs
- Buyers planning 20+ year stays who see aging-in-place as a feature, not a someday concern
- Accessibility-focused buyers — wider doorways, single-level living, no basement required
What They Cost
Entry-level bungalows in original condition start around $350K. Mid-range updated bungalows — new kitchen, renovated bath, developed basement — run $450K–$550K. Premium bungalows on large lots with extensive renovations or additions can reach $650K+.
The Resale Case
Bungalows hold value because demand never disappears. As demographics age, the buyer pool for single-level living actually grows. A well-maintained bungalow in Lacombe Park is one of the safest long-term holds in St. Albert real estate.
Watch Out For
- Basement moisture — older bungalows may have undeveloped basements with moisture issues. Budget $15K–$40K for proper waterproofing if the basement is on your development plan.
- Roof age — original cedar shake or older asphalt shingle roofs need replacement. A $12K roof isn't a dealbreaker, but it is a negotiation point.
- HVAC capacity — single-storey homes with additions may have furnaces sized for the original footprint. Verify the heating system can handle square footage added after original construction.
Two-Storeys: The Family Workhorse
550 two-storey sales tell you families love Lacombe Park. These homes stack bedrooms above living space, creating separation between adult and kid zones that parents crave. Most Lacombe Park two-storeys were built 1985–2005, with 1,800–2,600 sqft of total living space.
Who They're For
- Young families with 2+ kids who need three or four bedrooms
- Buyers who entertain — main-floor living space that doesn't feel like a playroom
- Growing families who want a home that expands with them (bonus rooms, basement development)
What They Cost
Starter two-storeys with original finishes start around $400K. Move-up two-storeys with updated kitchens, finished basements, and double garages run $475K–$600K. Premium two-storeys on corner lots or with significant additions push $650K–$750K.
The Resale Case
Two-storeys are the most liquid home style in St. Albert. When families move, they need bedrooms. The buyer pool is deep and consistent. A three-bedroom two-storey in good condition at $500K will sell in any market — that's why Lacombe Park's two-storey inventory moves faster than bungalows.
Watch Out For
- Stair condition — high-traffic staircases in family homes take a beating. Check tread wear and railing stability.
- Upper-floor temperature — older two-storeys may have inadequate attic insulation. A hot second floor in summer means $3K–$8K for insulation and ventilation upgrades.
- Garage size — many 1980s two-storeys have single garages. If you need two vehicles plus storage, verify the lot can accommodate a garage expansion or secondary structure.
Bi-Levels: The Flexible Compromise
208 bi-level sales make this the third pillar of Lacombe Park housing. Bi-levels split living space across two half-levels — main floor with kitchen, living room, and bedrooms; lower level partially below grade with additional bedrooms, family rooms, or rental suites.
Who They're For
- Multi-generational families who want separation without full basement isolation
- Buyers seeking mortgage-helper potential — lower-level suite possibility
- First-time buyers upgrading from condos who want a detached home without the price jump to a full two-storey
What They Cost
Entry bi-levels start around $325K. Mid-range with developed lower levels and updates run $400K–$475K. Premium bi-levels with walkout basements, river valley views, or legal-suite potential reach $550K.
The Resale Case
Bi-levels appeal to a specific buyer — one who values flexibility over pure square footage. The rental-suite angle is increasingly valuable as mortgage rates climb. A bi-level with a developed, potentially suiteable lower level commands a premium in today's market.
Watch Out For
- Lower-level ceiling height — some older bi-levels have 6'8" lower-level ceilings. Fine for kids, tight for adults. Verify if the basement was dug out or if ceiling height is original.
- Walkout potential — not every bi-level can become a walkout. Lot grade matters. If walkout is on your wishlist, confirm the lot slopes correctly before you fall in love with the floor plan.
- Suite legality — many bi-level "suites" are grandfathered or non-conforming. If rental income is part of your plan, verify zoning and fire code compliance. A legal suite adds $20K–$40K in value; an illegal one adds liability.
How to Choose
Pick bungalows if: Stairs are a dealbreaker, you're buying for the long haul (15+ years), or you value single-level simplicity over maximum square footage.
Pick two-storeys if: You have a growing family, you need bedroom separation, or resale liquidity matters more than any other factor.
Pick bi-levels if: You want flexibility — rental potential, multi-generational living, or a layout that can evolve as your needs change.
The Lacombe Park Advantage
What makes this neighbourhood special is that all three styles coexist on the same streets. You're not locked into a "bungalow zone" or a "two-storey development." You can find your style at your price point without compromising on community, schools, or location.
Not sure which style fits your life stage and budget? Let's walk a few listings together. Call 780-937-7534 or email john@johncarle.com — I'll show you one of each style in your price range so you can feel the difference, not just read about it.
Data source: 30,844 St. Albert MLS records (2010–2026 Q1). Style classifications from MLS property type fields. Price ranges estimated from sold transaction data.