There are several different types of flats.
Maisonettes are a relatively rare type.
So, what are they? And are they worth renting or buying?
Read on to find out.
What is a maisonette?
A maisonette is a flat with its own entrance and staircase, i.e., a self-contained flat with two storeys.
Many maisonettes in the UK are in two-storey terraced and semi-detached buildings in suburban areas.
You’ll also find them in large towns as well, especially above shops on a high street.
Where does the word maisonette come from?
‘Maisonette’ comes from the French word ‘maison’ (house) and the suffix ‘-ette‘ (the feminine form of ‘little’).
So, it can be literally translated as ‘little house’.
How is a maisonette different to a flat?
Maisonettes and flats have significant differences.
Unlike maisonettes, flats don’t have two stories or individual entrances.
A typical maisonette is usually valued higher than a flat with the same square footage.
Some maisonettes are also created by converting a house, whereas flats are usually in a purpose-built block.
Maisonettes vs houses
Despite having two floors, maisonettes are generally compared to flats over smaller types of houses.
This is mainly due to the similar price range. There is often a significant jump in price between maisonettes and terraced houses, for example.
Maisonnettes’ past
Maisonettes were first built in large numbers in the United Kingdom during the 1960s and 1970s.
This was in response to the need for low-cost, high-density housing.
They are built in smaller quantities today because flats usually yield a greater return on investment for these developers.
How common are maisonettes today?
Data from the Office for National Statistics found that in 2021, 21.7% of households in England and Wales lived in a flat or maisonette.
Much of this number is likely to be flats. But roughly 4% could be estimated as maisonettes.
With the total number of households in the UK being estimated as 28.4 million, this brings the total number to roughly 1.1 million.
Maisonnette variety
You’ll see a wide variation in maisonettes’ shape, size and layout.
Most are at least 450 square feet. And you’ll find plenty that go up to 800 square feet or more.
There may also be a balcony and a garden space. The outdoor area could be private or shared with other people in the area.
These properties tend to be owned by a leasehold agreement. However, it is sometimes possible for the owner to buy the freehold.
Where are maisonettes common?
Maisonettes are far more common in some parts of the country than others.
For example, you’ll likely find many of these in suburban areas around major cities and large towns. But in rural areas, they are relatively rare.
Advantages of living in a Maisonette
Hold their value
Maisonettes often increase in value along with the rest of the market.
Retain ownership of freehold
Furthermore, even when selling it, they’ve historically been able to retain ownership of the freehold.
This means they receive regular ground rent and service charge payments. And if the lease expires without renewal, ownership transfers back to the freeholder.
Your own entrance
When you live in a maisonette, you tend to have your own entrance. This increases your privacy.
Suitable for extension
Some maisonettes are suitable for extensions and other measures that increase a property’s value.
This is mainly due to there being more space to work with than in a flat.
Higher selling price
Maisonettes also sell for a higher average price than typical one-bedroom flats, as well.
Improved safety
Many people argue that maisonettes are safer than flats. This is because many of the windows are usually on the upper level.
And there’s only one point of access, which you have the key for – rather than a communal entrance (as with a flat) that dozens of people use.
Disadvantages of living in a Maisonette
Noise pollution
Maisonettes are often found in major cities and close to busy high streets.
This often translates into a noisier environment while you’re living there.
More expensive than a one-bedroom flat
You will need to pay a larger sum of money to buy a maisonette in the first place.
This is because they cost more than an equivalent one-bedroom flat, with the same square footage.
Collaboration needed with neighbours
When living in a maisonette, it’s often necessary to liaise with your neighbours.
Communication is necessary as you try to sort out the maintenance of common areas.
Should I buy a maisonette?
Your personal and financial circumstances have a big impact on whether a maisonette is right for you.
It’s ideal for first-time buyers who want to own a property but can’t afford too much.
It’s an excellent way for people living in a city to enjoy relatively high square footage while retaining privacy.
On the other hand, if you value living in a rural area, you’re unlikely to find a maisonette that meets these criteria.
