Often used interchangeably, flats and apartments differ primarily in regional usage and connotations. In the UK, ‘flat’ is commonly used, while ‘apartment’ is more prevalent in the US. Differences can also be seen in the perceived status and amenities, with ‘apartments’ often implying higher end living spaces with more facilities.
Living in high-rises in the middle of a fast-paced city is enticing to most homeowners. When it comes to living amidst an array of amenities crafted for all age groups, the unanimous choice is an apartment or a flat. Is there a difference between an apartment and a flat or do people just use it interchangeably? Read on to find out how these two terms came about and what they mean.
Table of Contents
What is a Flat?
The word ‘flat’ is derived from the Scottish word ‘flet,’ which implies a storey of a house, and from the Old English word known as ‘flett,’ meaning dwelling / hall.
What is an Apartment?
The word apartment comes from French, Italian, and Latin. The French word ‘appartement’ means private rooms within a house that can be used by an individual or a family. The Italian word ‘appartamento’ means separate place, whereas ‘partem’ in Latin is essentially a piece or division. All these together make the word apartment.
What is the Difference Between a Flat and An Apartment?
The difference between a flat and an apartment is thin, and the usage is largely dependent on the region. For example, ‘apartment’ is a term more common among Americans, while the British prefer to call it a ‘flat’.
Flat vs Apartment – by Definition
Flat, as per British English, means a set of rooms forming an individual residence, typically on one floor and within a larger building. Together they are also called a block of flats. The term apartment is preferred by Americans since it often gives an impression of luxury.
It means a set of rooms designed as a residence generally in a building that is occupied by more than one household and could even be spread across two floors. The British usually use the word apartment more commonly in real estate and architectural circles.
Flat vs Apartment – by Language
Flat: Used prominently in British English
Apartment: Used mainly in American English
Flat vs Apartment – by Target Group
Sometimes, a flat can be associated with middle-class living, depending on the geography.
An apartment has a more luxurious connotation and caters to a more affluent audience.
Flat vs Apartment – by Features
Flats generally have all the basic amenities in place to allow the residents to live comfortably.
Apartments, however, come with luxury living as well as more amenities.
Flat vs Apartment – by Storeys
Flats: generally, on one level.
Apartments: generally, on one level, but also includes multilevel homes. A duplex automatically is considered an apartment.
Difference Between a Flat and an Apartment
By the definitions detailed above, a flat is a term that could be used to denote affordable housing at a lower price point. Apartments are regarded as the more luxurious variant that could be available to various classes of income, and in some cases could extend beyond one storey. However, in the Indian context, we often use these terms interchangeably.
Flat
- Typically refers to a self-contained living unit within a larger building
- Often used in British English
- Can be on a single floor
- May carry an implication of being more affordable housing
Apartment
- Generally refers to a housing unit in a larger building, sometimes with a high-rise connotation
- More common in American English
- Can be multi-storeyed in some cases
- May be associated with luxury units, but this may not always be the case
Key Takeaways
- Both are living spaces in a building with multiple units
- ‘Flat’ leans more towards single-floor units and affordability (especially in British English)
- ‘Apartment’ is a broader term, and can encompass various types of units
In India, both ‘flat’ and ‘apartment’ are widely used and mostly mean the same thing – your exclusive living space within a multi-storey building. There isn’t a strict difference between the two terms.
What Should You Buy?
Understanding your requirements is of utmost importance before you set out to buy your very own home. Whether it is for your use or an investment option, there are valuable points for consideration.
Difference Between an Apartment and a Condo
In USA, the main difference between an apartment and a condo lies in the ownership of the property, although both may have the same look & feel. An apartment is usually rented, while a condo is owned. The owner of the condo is then expected to make regular payments to the Homeowner’s Association. In India, apartment owners / tenants pay maintenance charges to the Resident Welfare Associations, towards the smooth functioning of their society. However, the apartment is owned by the homeowner.
Pros and Cons of Buying an Apartment or a Flat in India
Apartments / Flats come with a bouquet of benefits, and they are:
Security
You have nothing to worry about the safety and security of your family members. Round-the-clock patrolling, well-trained personnel, exhaustive CCTV coverage ensure that your little ones are safe in the play area and the corridor. All in all, gated communities are excellent for people of all age groups.
Host of Amenities
From the swimming pool to the gym, apartments come with many amenities, making it easy for you to access them within the campus. Your children have an excellent playground while their grandparents have a lush park or reflexology trail to keep them engaged.
Advanced Interpersonal Skills
With so many people living around, your children grow up with excellent interpersonal skills. You too can choose to catch up with your friends at the park or enjoy your own company, all at your convenience.
Tax Benefits
Owning a property and availing a home loan translates to significant tax benefits. This is one of the right kinds of investments that help you save big while reaping the benefits in the long term.
The only disadvantage of an apartment is that you cannot customise it as you would an individual house. You are limited to customising the look of your home with the help of home furnishings or home decor items, but you cannot change the size of your living room. You may have been able to do this if you were constructing your house on a plot of land you own.
Read More: Top 5 Advantages of Buying a House Than Leasing
Market Trends for Flats vs Apartments
In 2024, the Indian real estate market is witnessing substantial growth across both residential and luxury segments. The residential sector remains buoyant with new launches and strategic land acquisitions, particularly in mid and premium segments. Major developers are expanding into prime locations to meet rising demand.
Luxury housing is also evolving, integrating advanced technologies for enhanced security and personalised services, while the demand for second homes and vacation properties continues to rise. On the other hand, affordable housing remains a priority, bolstered by government initiatives like ‘Housing for All’ and innovations in home automation.
The market is also seeing a significant push towards sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly building practices and green technologies. This includes the use of renewable energy, efficient waste management, and environmentally conscious construction. Additionally, the demand dynamics are shifting towards Tier II and III cities, driven by urbanisation and the acceptance of remote work, which is allowing for greater geographic flexibility.
Tips for Buying a Flat or an Apartment
- Decide on a budget and stick to it. To make the whole process smoother, your knowledge of how much you would like to spend on your perfect home is essential. This is the most important step in your journey of buying your home.
- Ask questions regarding the carpet area, super built-up area, etc.
- Check with the banks for loan approvals.
- Do a legal check and ask for all the right papers about approvals from the concerned authorities.
- Make an agreement with the builder once you have paid the token amount.
FAQs
1. Which term should I use – flat or apartment?
Which term you should depends on your audience. ‘Flat’ is more common in British English, while ‘apartment’ dominates American English.
2. Do flats have to be on a single floor?
No, flats do not have to be on a single floor, for example duplex homes. Flats can be single storey, but they can also occupy multiple floors within a building.
3. Are flats cheaper than apartments?
Flats may or may not be cheaper than apartments. Affordability can be associated with flats in some regions. However, the price eventually depends on factors like size, location, and amenities, not just the term used.
4. Do apartments always have luxury features?
Apartments may have luxury features. While ‘apartment’ might sometimes imply luxury living, it can also refer to standard housing units. The term itself does not guarantee luxury amenities.
5. Is an apartment and a flat the same?
Yes, an apartment and a flat are the same. An apartment is a more commonly used American term for a cluster of rooms that could be over one floor. A flat is a British term for a set of rooms that forms a residence – usually within one floor.
6. Is a flat the same as an apartment?
Yes, a flat is the same as an apartment. While most people use these two terms interchangeably, flat is a British term and apartment is an American term.
7. Why is an apartment called a flat?
An apartment is called a flat as these two terms are used interchangeably in India – essentially because they both have the same meaning. However, ‘flat’ leans towards British English and ‘apartment’ leans towards American English.
8. Is a flat better than an apartment?
To decide if a flat is better than an apartment, you should consider aspects such as the price, size, locale, amenities, and more.
9. Why is it called a flat and not apartment?
It is called a flat and not apartment as in British English, a flat is spread over one floor and has a set of rooms. The word flat is derived from the Old English word called ‘flet,’ making it a more preferred and common term in the UK.
10. What is considered a flat?
A flat is a set of rooms within a larger building that forms a society.
11. What is the difference between a flat and a condo?
Flat and condo are the same thing – a set of rooms that is on one floor. In USA, a flat is usually rented, while a condo is owned.
12. What is the difference between a condo and an apartment?
A condo is often on one floor while an apartment could have multiple storeys. Also, a condo is owned while an apartment is usually rented, in the USA.
