Flat vs Apartment: What’s the Real Difference?

Are flats and apartments the same thing? Or perhaps there is a difference between them that may impact your lifestyle, investment, or property ownership? In this blog, we help you uncover the difference between flat vs apartment so you can make a better choice. 

What Makes a Flat?

Flat refers to an apartment in a block that comprises living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. This term is more commonly used in India, the UK, and Asian countries. Flats in India are found in:

• Standalone residential buildings
• Housing Society
• Builder floor

The key features of a flat include a multi-storey building offering basic or standard facilities. These are mostly individually owned focused on functional living.

What is an Apartment?

An apartment also refers to a self-contained residential unit, but the word is more globally used, especially in the US, Canada, and modern real estate marketing. In the Indian property market, the word apartment is often used for:

• Premium residential projects
• High-rise communities
• Gated community

Apartments mostly offer modern layouts with amenities like clubhouses, gym, security, landscaped gardens and elevators. In the case if someone looking for luxury apartments near me, then it actually means high-end apartment complexes, not basic flats. 

Flat vs Apartment: What's the Difference? 

• Flats are relatively traditional and simple
• Persons living in apartments share lifestyle facilities
• Apartments may form part of gated communities
• Flats can be in older buildings or in buildings that are small
• Apartments are generally well-maintained

Flat vs Apartment: Which Term Is Used More in India?

Coming to the real estate market in India, both terms are used; however, their meaning is slightly different.

• Builder involved mainly in the construction of luxury properties use the term apartment
• Budget/mid-range houses are referred to as “Flats.”
• Online buyers usually search for the term apartments for sale rather than flats

Are Flats and Apartments Legally Different?

• Both are residential units
• Both have rights of ownership
• Both can be bought, sold, or rented 

Flat vs Apartment: Which Is Better for Living?

Flats are preferable if you want:

• Lower cost of purchase
• Smaller society
• Lower monthly maintenance
• Quiet living environment

Apartments are preferable if you want:

• Gym, Swimming pool & Security
• Community living
• Better resale value

Probably, when you search luxury apartments near me, you are in search of comfort and amenities that a normal flat may not offer you.

Flat vs Apartment: Which Is Better for Investment?

From an investment perspective, apartments generally appreciate. Reasons are as follows:

• High demand in metro cities
• Better rental income
• Higher resale value
• Popular with corporate tenants

Flats can still be a good investment, especially in developing areas; however, apartments in well-known projects attract more buyers when they are listed as apartments for sale.

Common Myths about Flats and Apartments

Myth: Apartments are larger than flats.
Truth: Size is in the project, not in the name. 

Myth: Flats are old-fashioned 
Truth: Many modern flats exist today 

Myth: Apartments are always luxury. 
Truth: Not all apartments are premium. 

Myth: They are legally different. 
Truth: They have the same legal status

Conclusion 

Flat vs Apartment is more of a terminology-based debate in terms of lifestyle. In terms of the real estate market in India, both flat and apartments are considered as residential spaces, however apartment comes with more facilities. Whether you planning to buy for living or for an investment; the basic difference between the two can be helpful in making an informed decision.