What is a Maisonette?

What does ‘maisonette’ actually mean?

A maisonette is a self-contained two-storey flat within a larger building that has its own entrance and internal staircase. The term comes from the French word maisonnette, meaning “little house”. In the UK, maisonettes are commonly found in converted period homes or above shops in city centres.

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Maisonette vs Flat

Maisonettes differ from standard flats in several key ways:

• Private entrance: Maisonettes open directly to the outside, while flats share internal corridors and stairways.
• Two floors: Living areas are typically split across two levels, offering a more “house-like” layout.
• Outdoor space: Many maisonettes include a private garden or terrace, whereas flats generally share communal areas.
• Greater privacy: Fewer shared spaces reduce noise and increase independence.

Maisonette vs House

While maisonettes share characteristics with houses, they are usually smaller and more affordable.

• Size and layout: Most maisonettes offer one or two bedrooms and no attic, whereas houses often have three or more bedrooms and additional storage.
• Ownership type: Some maisonettes are leasehold, while others are freehold.
• Cost: Maisonettes are typically cheaper to buy and maintain than a full-sized house, making them attractive for first-time buyers.
• Outdoor access: Like houses, many have private entrances and gardens.

Are maisonettes leasehold or freehold?

Maisonettes can be either leasehold or freehold.

• A leasehold maisonette means you own the property for the duration of the lease and pay ground rent to the freeholder.
• A freehold maisonette may include ownership of the entire building, meaning you could collect ground rent from another occupant.
  Owners share maintenance responsibilities for external areas, such as driveways, walls, and roofs. Typically, the upper maisonette maintains the roof, while the lower maintains foundations.

Advantages of buying a maisonette

• Affordable entry point: Usually cheaper than a house but larger than most flats.
• Unique layouts: Often located in converted properties, giving each maisonette distinctive design and character.
• Extra storage: May include a garage or outdoor storage area uncommon in apartment buildings.
• More independence: With a private entrance, you avoid shared hallways and service charges.

Disadvantages of buying a maisonette

• Limited expansion: Maisonettes lack Permitted Development Rights, so extensions require planning approval.
• Space constraints: Smaller than houses, often unsuitable for large families.
• Shared maintenance: Costs and decisions for exterior repairs must be agreed with other residents.
• Location factors: Maisonettes above shops may experience extra noise or odours. Visit at various times to assess this.

Is a maisonette right for you?

A maisonette suits buyers seeking an affordable, private, and low-maintenance home. It appeals particularly to first-time buyers or professionals who value independence without the costs of a detached house. Those planning to expand or needing extensive space may prefer a traditional house or bungalow.

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We have many other useful guides from advice for buyers and house viewing checklist to tips for upsizing and a guide to shared ownership, take a look.