Some condominiums feature a unique floor plan known as a "maisonette-style" unit, which has an internal staircase. While the appeal lies in the feel of living in a detached house, it is important to understand the differences from lofts and the potential drawbacks before making a choice. This article explains the definition, types, differences from lofts, and the merits and demerits of buying a maisonette-style used condominium.
What Is a Maisonette-Style Property?
Maisonette (maisonnette) is a French word meaning "small house," and refers to a two-story residential unit with an internal staircase within the living space. Its greatest feature is that, despite being a condominium, it offers a lifestyle experience close to that of a detached house.
Main Types of Maisonettes
- Standard type: A unit that combines two adjacent floors into one (the most common type)
- Split type: A type where three floors are divided into two upper and lower units
- Roof maisonette: A type with a rooftop balcony on the top floor
- Ground-floor maisonette with garden: A type with a garden on the first floor, closely resembling a detached house
How Does It Differ from a Property with a Loft?
Maisonettes and lofts may look similar on the surface, but their legal definitions are fundamentally different.
| Item | Maisonette | Loft |
|---|---|---|
| Definition under Building Standards Act | Living space (recognized as a habitable room) | "Attic storage, etc." (storage space) |
| Air conditioning installation | No restrictions | Not permitted (with some exceptions) |
| Window size | No restrictions | Restrictions on large windows |
| Floor area restrictions | No restrictions | Must be less than 1/2 of the living space |
A loft is essentially an "oversized storage space," whereas a maisonette is a "living space spanning two floors." The difference in comfort is significant.
Merits of Choosing a Maisonette-Style Used Condominium
- Privacy: Guest areas and private areas can be separated between floors
- Reduced noise issues: Since the floors above and below are part of the same unit, children's footsteps are less likely to disturb neighbors below
- Work-from-home environment: Living and working floors can be separated
- Suitable for pet ownership: Offers greater flexibility in pet-friendly buildings
- High design quality: Many units have a sophisticated aesthetic, which tends to increase residential satisfaction
Demerits of Choosing a Maisonette-Style Used Condominium
- Burden of stairs: Increased difficulty when tired, carrying heavy loads, or moving in
- Fall risk for elderly people and young children: Extra caution is required with internal staircases
- Effectively reduced living space: The area occupied by the internal staircase reduces the actual usable floor space
- Wi-Fi dead zones: Spanning two floors may require an additional router
- Limited availability: The small number of units makes it difficult to find one that meets your requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. What is the difference between a maisonette and a loft unit?
- A. A maisonette is a "living space" spanning two floors, whereas a loft is legally classified as "storage space" under the Building Standards Act. There are significant differences in air conditioning installation and window size, among other aspects.
- Q. Are maisonette-style used condominiums expensive?
- A. Compared to standard flat-type units of the same size and location, they tend to be priced higher due to their rarity and design appeal. However, the limited number of available units makes direct comparisons difficult.
- Q. What should families with young children watch out for when choosing a maisonette?
- A. There is a risk of tripping and falling on the internal staircase. During your viewing, check whether handrails are installed and whether the staircase gradient is not too steep.
- Q. Are maisonette-style rental properties available?
- A. Yes. Maisonette-style properties are also available for rent. In the rental market, it is common for entire buildings to consist entirely of maisonette-style units.
