When searching for a rental property, you may come across the terms "maisonette" and "terrace house." Both have a two-story layout and can seem similar, but there are important differences between them.
What is the difference between a maisonette and a terrace house?
What is a maisonette?
A maisonette is a type of unit within an apartment or condominium building in which two floors are connected by an internal staircase.For example, the 1st and 2nd floors, or the 3rd and 4th floors, may function as a single residence. Because there is a staircase inside the unit, it differs from a loft-style property (a loft is treated as storage space and is not recognized as a full second floor).
What is a terrace house?
A terrace house is a row-style residential property in which two- to three-story homes are connected side by side.Each unit has its own private entrance, and the exterior feels similar to a detached house. Because the roof and walls are connected to neighboring units, it is technically classified as a multi-unit residential property.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a maisonette?
Advantages of a maisonette
- You can divide the space by purpose（1st floor: living room, 2nd floor: bedroom, etc.）
- It offers good natural light（windows and balconies can be installed on both the 1st and 2nd floors）
Disadvantages of a maisonette
- Air conditioning can be less effective（because the two floors are connected by stairs and the ceiling is high, heating and cooling efficiency may decrease）
- The living area may feel smaller depending on the exclusive floor area（because the floor plan is split across two levels, each floor has less space）
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a terrace house?
Advantages of a terrace house
- Many properties have stylish exterior and interior designs
- You can live with a detached-house feel（because there are no units above or below, everyday noise is often less of a concern）
Disadvantages of a terrace house
- You need to follow the rules of a multi-unit property（such as rules on pets, garbage disposal, and noise）
- There may be fewer windows（because neighboring units are attached on both sides）
What kind of people is each option suited to?
| Best suited to | |
|---|---|
| Maisonette | People who do not need a particularly large layout, people who value natural light, and people who want to enjoy a two-level living space within a 1DK to 1LDK scale |
| Terrace house | People who want to live with the feel of a detached house, families with children, and people for whom a detached home is financially difficult but who still want that atmosphere |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the difference between a maisonette and a loft-style property?
A loft is legally treated as attic storage space and is not recognized as a second floor. A maisonette, by contrast, has a formally recognized living space on both the 1st and 2nd floors.
Q. How is a terrace house different from a detached house?
A terrace house is a multi-unit residential property in which the walls and roof are connected to neighboring units. A detached house is a completely independent building. Terrace houses also have management rules, so residents need to follow regulations for shared areas.
Q. Is rent for a maisonette expensive?
In general, it tends to be higher than for a flat unit with the same exclusive floor area. However, because it offers privacy across two levels and more flexible use of space, there are also properties with strong overall value.
Q. Is a terrace house good for raising children?
Because there are no separate units above or below, problems related to footsteps are less likely to arise, which makes this type of property suitable for families with children. However, consideration for noise affecting the units on the left and right is still necessary, just as it is in a detached house.
