At first glance, the title of the blog Flat vs Apartment may shock you because most of the time, we use flat & apartment as synonyms. However, there are some differences as well. The difference is not only in the meaning, they are different in the real estate aspect as well. So, in this blog, we will focus on the differences and which one can be better for you.
Flat vs Apartment: What is a flat?
The word flat mostly gets used in the UK or the rest of Europe as well. According to the UK English flat means a home. The root of the word “flat” is in Old English and according to the Old English it means ‘flett’ or ‘a dwelling, hall; floor, ground”. This means “flat” is a floor or a part of a floor of a building which is set to be used as a residence.
Flats are generally on only one floor. In the Oxford Dictionary, it has been described as “A set of rooms forming an individual residence, typically on one floor and within a larger building containing several such residences.” So, basically, flats are single floors and mostly contain one to three rooms along with a kitchen and a bathroom. There are many countries where only the lower income families stay in the flats because it consumes a lower amount of space and comes within a budget.
Flat vs Apartment: What is an apartment?
The root of the apartment is in the Italian language. In the Italian language, it is ‘appartimento’ and it means ‘private rooms for one person’s or a family’s use in a house’ or ‘a place separated’. The word apartment is common in the United States. They usually call it a ‘condo’ or ‘apartment’.
The Oxford Dictionary has mentioned that the apartment can have multiple storeys in it and multiple rooms as well. It can be used to spend holidays.
Above these are the definitions only, I think the differences will be more clear in a table format.
I hope the definitions and differences are clear. Now it is the time to focus on the pros and the cons of Flat vs Apartment. There are a certain amount of pros & cons of everything so it is important to focus on those before you invest.
Pros of having an apartment: Well, let’s start with the pros.
1. The apartments are quite spacious. So if you have a big family, it is suitable for you.
2. Most of the apartments have a large area inside them. So if you love your privacy then apartments are the best for you.
3. Apartments have a large number of residents inside them. So it is quite safer to live.
4. Apartments have a clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, shopping complexes, ATMs etc inside the premises. So your life becomes easier.
Cons of an apartment: Life isn’t all about the pros. So it is important to focus on the cons as well.
1. Apartments are costlier. So if you want something budget-friendly, you must avoid apartments.
2. Apartments are still not common in India. So it will be difficult for you to get an apartment at your convenient place.
Flat vs Apartment: Pros of a flat:
1. Flats are budget friendly and quite common in India. You can have a flat on a budget and at your preferred place. In this topic, it is important to mention that if you are looking for a flat in the heart of Kolkata, you must check the Realtech Nirman group. Realtech Nirman has a range of affordable flats with every amenities of life.
2. If you invest in an under-construction flat, you can choose the interior. You can increase the number of rooms as well.
3. Flats also have a strong security system. Most of the flats have 24*7 security guards, CCTVs and intercom systems to ensure the safety of the residents.
4. You will get a community. This helps in socialising.
Flat vs Apartment: Cons of flat:
1. Flats have a lack of privacy. In case you get a nosy neighbour, it will make issues for you.
2. Flats have a small area inside it. So, it is not suitable for large families.
In amenities Is there any difference between flat vs Apartment?
Amenities are the first thing we look for. We all are looking for a comfortable life. Most of the apartments are luxurious and have high-end amenities for life inside them. However, it is not true that only the apartments have that kind of amenities. For example, apartments have amenities such as a clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, shopping complexes, ATMs etc inside the premises and you can get almost all these amenities in a flat too.
If you invest in a flat from Realtech Nirman group you will be able to get a swimming pool, community hall, 24*7 power supply, high-end latest security systems, gymnasium, car parking, fire protection & water filtration plant too. So it is not less than an apartment in terms of amenities. Moreover, most of their projects are located in the heart of the city. So it will be closer to the workplace or study area and will decrease your daily hustle as well.
Flat vs apartment, which one is better for the buyers?
Well, it totally depends on the buyer and their demands. However, I can mention some important points which will help you choose.
1. Carpet area: Flat vs apartment
Flats have a smaller carpet area than an apartment. Typically flats have one large dining area, one master bedroom, one small bedroom, one kitchen & one bathroom. However, if you invest in an under-construction flat then you can increase or decrease the number of rooms. So it is suitable for nuclear families.
Apartments have multiple storeys inside them and multiple rooms as well. Naturally, apartments are suitable for large families. Even if you want, you can put one storey on rent too. This will make an alternative monetary source for you. At the same time, if you have a large family and you love your privacy, apartments are best for you. You will live together with personal space.
2. Privacy: Flat vs apartment
Privacy is always an issue for flats. Most of the time there are only two rooms in a flat so if you talk loudly, it will disturb your whole family. At the same time, other flats are adjacent. Additionally, nosy neighbours have always been an issue for flats.
As I have mentioned before, apartments are spacious and another of the complex apartments is also situated at a distance. This helps maintain the privacy of the residents. Even if the neighbour is nosy, it will not affect your life.
3. Price range & availability: Flat vs apartment
Flats are affordable and most of the flats of Realtech Nirman group are affordable. Whereas apartments are costlier as it has more space and luxury.
Flats are too common in Kolkata. You will get a flat in a nearby place of your office. However, as the apartments need more space, most of the apartments are situated on the outskirts of the city. So travel will be an issue for you.
Some common FAQs: Flat vs apartment
Flat vs apartment, which one is better for residence?
Well, this is a tricky question. Both of them are good for residents. In a flat, you will get a community & lifestyle at a reasonable price while the apartment will help you to maintain privacy. So, it is up to you.
Why apartments are called flats in India?
In India we use apartment and flat interchangeably and as both of them are residences so most people do not focus on minor details. Only United States & the UK pay close attention.
Are the apartments more luxurious than flats?
Well, in terms of space apartments are more luxurious than flats. However, if you are talking about amenities for life then both of them are the same. Realtech Nirman provides all the amenities in flats which an apartment can have.
Is there any difference between a “Condo” and an “apartment”?
“Condos” are on one floor whereas the apartments have multiple storeys inside it. So typically the condos are quite like flats.
Can I get an apartment in Kolkata?
Well, apartments are rare in Kolkata. So it will be difficult for you and even if you find an apartment, it will be in the outskirts of Kolkata.
Final words: Home is not only a building, it has our soul. So check every detail before you invest. Happy buying folks.
