The term ‘flat’ and ‘apartment’ is used interchangeably. They both generally refer to a residential unit in a society.
However, flats and apartments have a slight difference. And it is important to know the differences between flat & apartment if you are going to buy a property.
It will allow you to explore the best property options as per your personal requirements.
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Difference Between Flat & Apartment
Definition
What Is A Flat?
A flat is a set of rooms which are present on one floor. It is referred to as a living space in a building. The flat is generally used in British English.
It is a part of a group of buildings with many units. This cluster of buildings is discussed as a township or a housing society.
A flat generally consists of a standard size including a master bedroom, a kitchen, a hall space, a bathroom, and other small rooms.
What Is An Apartment?
An apartment is a private room suitable for a single person and a family. It is a rented residential unit that is a part of a residential building.
The owner of the apartment is responsible to do the maintenance work. The apartment is generally used in American English.
The apartment renters can access the common areas of the premises like the gym, covered parking, and trash disposal.
Types
Types Of A Flat
There are very simple types of flats available in the market which are the following:
Premium flats include luxury style fittings and interior and Executive flats include a master bedroom, living/dining room, bathroom, and kitchen.
Types Of An Apartment
Different types of apartments include different ranges, layouts, and sizes. These types are provided in the following:
Budget
The budget for a flat & apartment are quite similar to each other, however, there is a slight difference between the budget of both terms.
Budget Of A Flat
A flat is a part of a housing society or township. Buying a flat will include huge expenses as you will be owning the property.
The budget of a flat will depend on its location, the amenities provided, and the connectivity facilities.
Budget Of An Apartment
Generally, apartments are considered above the standard size due to their different layout. Hence, it is commonly used for renting purposes.
The rental apartment only includes the rental expense every month. You can choose an apartment as per your affordability and usage.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle in a flat or apartment depends on the purpose of the residential unit and also on the society where you are living.
Lifestyle In A Flat
A flat is preferable if you love social connections, and community involvement because it is a part of a housing society or township. You can also avail the amenities available in society.
Lifestyle In An Apartment
If you want to stay in a stand-alone building, then an apartment will be the best choice for you. A flat will provide privacy and peace of mind to the residential unit.
In a rental apartment, you cannot choose the interior design according to your preference.
Maintenance Cost
The maintenance cost of a flat or an apartment depends on its utility and the amenities they are provided with.
Maintenance Cost Of A Flat
There is fixed maintenance costs in a flat. The maintenance cost is generally lower compared to an apartment because of the standard size and standard quality amenities provided.
Maintenance Cost Of An Apartment
The maintenance cost of an apartment is higher because it tends to provide the residents with luxurious amenities like a sports court, gym, swimming pool, etc.
Structure
The structure of an apartment and a flat will implicate the price of the property.
Structure Of A Flat
Flat consists of a standard-size residential unit. You will have a dining/living room, kitchen, common bathroom, and 1 or 2 bedrooms.
Structure Of An Apartment
The structure of an apartment will have a luxurious feel which includes designed interiors and fittings.
Flat Vs Apartment?- What Should You Buy
It can be quite tricky to choose the appropriate flat or apartment as per your preference. The primary decision includes the budget.
As per the difference between flat & apartment, a flat is more convenient when you have a smaller budget.
If you want to stay in the location for a longer time and enjoy the luxurious amenities then, the apartment will be the best choice for you.
If you want, you can also rent out a flat or an apartment later for a better return on investment.
FAQs
| Q1: Is a flat a house or an apartment?
Ans: A flat and an apartment are housing units that occupy a part of a building. Hence, a flat & apartment, both are considered types of houses. |
| Q2: What is the meaning of a flat?
Ans: A flat is a collection of rooms that are located on a single floor. It is known as a living area in a structure. British English typically uses the word “flat.” |
| Q3: What is the meaning of an apartment?
Ans: A private space appropriate for both a single individual and a family is an apartment. It is a residential apartment that is for rent and is located in a residential structure. |
| Q4: What is a flat-style apartment?
Ans: A flat is a self-contained dwelling unit that is a component of a larger complex with many flats, comparable to an apartment. Although the terms apartment and flat are frequently used synonymously, some individuals refer to single-story dwellings as flats due to their “flat” form. |
| Q5: Is a condo similar to a flat?
Ans: A condominium or condo is a private home that is rented to tenants; it may be an independent house or a flat. However, now this term is interchangeably used as a flat and an apartment. |
