There are many different kinds of properties that you can live in throughout the UK.
Of course, there are houses, which can come in all shapes and sizes.
But what if you’re looking for something different from a traditional house?
Luckily there are other options out there, such as maisonettes and flats.
A maisonette and a flat are very similar but do have some big differences.
So, if you’re looking to live in a property like this, then which one do you choose?
To find out, let’s start at the beginning.
Why are Houses Different?
To begin, let’s quickly decipher just what a house is.
When thinking of a flat and a maisonette, these are often self-contained within a building containing other residences.
A house on the other hand is usually just lived in by one set of residents.
While there are similarities, the fact that a house is private and often contains outdoor space that is accessible just by the owner sets this aside from the other two options.
Flats especially, but also maisonettes often contain some form of communal area and mean living very closely to neighbours.
If you’re looking for privacy and a freehold property to own, than a house is for you.
If not, then the question is, maisonette or flat?
What is a Flat?
A flat is a self-contained living space that shares space in a building with something else, such as other flats or a commercial building.
Flats can come in lots of different sizes, whether it be a studio flat which contains everything except the bathroom in one room, or a large flat that consists of many rooms and amenities.
In London though, you would expect a flat to cover around 60m squared of space.
A flat is often a great choice for someone with limited funds who is looking to find a place to live that is affordable and contains everything they would need in a small space.
Flats are often entered through a communal entrance and hallway from which each separate flat can be entered.
What is a Maisonette?
A maisonette is like a flat, but whereas a flat often only consists of one floor, a maisonette usually covers two.
The big factor that makes a property a maisonette is direct, and private, access inside and outside the building.
There are minimal communal areas with a maisonette and the resident will enter straight into the property.
A maisonette is often seen where a property has been split into two, with two front doors next to each other.
If a property is large enough then it can be split into multiple maisonettes, and each one of these will be privately owned or rented.
While a maisonette may offer lots of the benefits of owning your own home, it is still contained in a building that the resident does not own, so, like a flat, there will be a ground rent to pay.
A maisonette often has the same rules as a flat which are determined by the landlord, but the subtle differences of the private entrance, more living space and lack of communal areas make them slightly different.
Benefits of a Maisonette
- Privacy – Maisonettes come packed with privacy. From the moment you enter the property, you are straight into your home and not into a communal hallway. This can make a big difference when you don’t have to listen to people walking up and down the hallway during the day and night. It also provides privacy in many other spaces, such as a garden.
- More Space – When compared to a flat which only occupies one floor and can be short on space, a maisonette is much bigger. Firstly, the property is over two floors which means you can have bedrooms upstairs and keep the downstairs as living space.
- Room for Expansion – As most maisonettes are houses that have been converted into separate properties, most of these have loft space. If you own the property, then you may be able to extend into this space. Alternatively, this can provide a great place to store your belongings that need to be out of the way, something that is often found lacking in a flat.
Benefits of a Flat
- More Affordable – Compared to a maisonette or a house, flats are by far the lowest cost option. A flat in Letchworth or the surrounding areas could cost under £200,000 to buy. If you live on your own or have limited funds, then buying or renting a flat can get you somewhere of your own to live without breaking the bank. While you sacrifice space, you will end up saving on things such as heating the property which in the long run will save you even more money.
- Location – As flats take up little amounts of space, they are easier to fit into built up cities, which can make them a really appealing place to live for many people who work there and don’t want a big commute. Affordable living near a city such as London is hard to find and doesn’t come cheap, so for someone who wants to be in the heart of the action, you can’t go wrong with a flat.
- More Secure – As mentioned, flats don’t have a private entrance, and instead it is often communal. While this may sound like a lack of security, flats often come with lots of safety measures such as keycodes so only residents can enter. If you live on a high floor in a safe block of flats, there aren’t many properties in which you will feel more secure.
Making your Decision
In the end, choosing between a maisonette or a flat all depends on you and your situation.
Do you live with someone else and need a bit more room?
Do you live alone and want something in the heart of the action of a bustling city such as London?
Are finances an issue so you’re looking for the cheapest option possible?
If you have a definite answer to these questions, then the decision may be easier than you think.
What it boils down to is that a maisonette is a more expensive option but can provide more privacy and space, whereas a flat is lower cost due to being smaller, but this comes with some benefits such as added security and a better location.
It’s always a good idea to write a list of your wants and needs and see how many fit into the maisonette column and how many fit into the flat column.
Whatever you choose, Leysbrook will be ready to help.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to buy a house, a maisonette, or a flat in areas such as Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Hitchin and beyond, then Leysbrook could be the perfect estate agent for you.
Get in touch now for help buying and selling your property.