If you’re exploring property options, you may have come across the term ‘maisonette’. While it sounds fancy (the French word means ‘small house’), these unique properties offer a distinctive blend of flat and house features that could be perfect for your needs.
A maisonette combines the best features of both flats and houses. It’s a self-contained property spread across two floors with its own private entrance from the street. Unlike regular flats where you share an entrance hall with neighbours, a maisonette gives you direct access to your home from street level.
Here’s everything you need to know about maisonettes.
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Understanding different maisonette types
Upper maisonettes offer unique advantages, typically occupying the upper floors of a building. Many include loft spaces that provide extra storage or potential for conversion. A key feature of many upper maisonettes is their private outdoor space, whether through balconies or roof terraces. Victorian upper maisonettes often have dedicated staircases; some even offer access to rear gardens, combining elevated living with outdoor access.
Lower maisonettes present a different set of benefits. Occupying ground and lower-ground floors, lower marionettes frequently provide direct garden access – a significant advantage for those seeking outdoor space. These properties are particularly prevalent in period conversions and purpose-built developments, often offering larger room sizes and higher ceilings than their upper counterparts.
Types of maisonettes you can buy
Maisonettes first gained popularity in British cities as a clever solution to urban housing needs. What started as a practical answer to space constraints has evolved into a sought-after property choice. Modern maisonettes now offer stylish living spaces that appeal to various buyers, from first-time homeowners to downsizers seeking the perfect balance between house and flat living.
You’ll spot maisonettes across different architectural styles:
Period properties
Period properties, especially Victorian and Edwardian buildings, often feature distinctive dual entrance arrangements. These elegant properties, particularly common in London’s historic neighbourhoods, were purposefully designed with two separate front doors. Each door leads to its own maisonette, with the classic London architectural style maintaining its street appeal while cleverly dividing the interior space into two homes.
Post-1945 suburban developments
Post-war developments brought a new wave of maisonettes in suburban areas, designed to maximise space efficiency while maintaining privacy. They were built during the post-war housing boom, offering practical and efficient living spaces. These purpose-built maisonettes were designed to provide comfortable family homes while efficiently using land. Often arranged in blocks of four or six houses, they typically feature generous room sizes, dedicated parking, and shared garden areas
Contemporary apartment blocks
Modern developments often incorporate maisonettes with external balcony access. Contemporary apartment blocks with external walkways, often featuring modern maisonettes accessed via shared balcony corridors. These developments frequently offer excellent views, secure entry systems, and well-planned layouts that maximise space and natural light. You might find duplex-style maisonettes on the ground and first floor, or arranged across higher levels.
Converted historical buildings
Many converted period houses have been carefully split into maisonettes, preserving their historical charm while creating practical modern homes. You might find original fireplaces, decorative cornices, and wooden floors alongside contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. These properties often benefit from generous room proportions and period features that add unique character to your living space.
Why you should buy a maisonette
If you’re looking for the perfect balance between a house and a flat, a maisonette could be your ideal next home. These unique properties combine the best of both worlds, offering the privacy and space of a house with the convenience and affordability of a flat. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizing, or simply seeking a property investment, maisonettes offer distinctive advantages. Their dual-level living arrangement and often private entrance provide a sense of independence that’s hard to find in traditional apartments. Plus, they typically come with a more attractive price tag than similar-sized houses in the same area.
Space and layout
The two-floor layout of maisonettes creates distinct advantages over traditional flats. Having rooms spread across two levels means you can really make the most of the space, with living areas and bedrooms naturally separated between floors. Storage options multiply with under-stairs spaces and potential loft areas. Many maisonettes offer more usable floor area than similarly priced single-level properties, making them particularly attractive for those seeking extra space without the full cost of a house.
Maisonettes offer more space than traditional flats or apartments, especially if you choose a property that’s over two floors. By having separate rooms and areas, you can get creative with your layout with designated sleeping and living spaces and valuable under stair storage.
Development and improvement potential
One of the most appealing aspects of maisonettes is their scope for improvement and personalisation. Upper maisonettes occupy the top floors and often present opportunities for loft conversions, potentially adding valuable living space or an extra bedroom. Lower maisonettes on the ground and first floor might offer potential for garden extensions or side returns, allowing for expanded kitchen and living areas. However, it’s important to note that any significant alterations require proper planning permission and relevant approvals from local authorities.
Privacy and independence
The private entrance of a maisonette creates a distinct sense of independence. This feature offers practical advantages beyond just privacy – direct street access means no shared hallways, greater control over home security, and easier management of deliveries and postal services. The separate entrance and two-floor layout create a more house-like feel, making maisonettes an excellent stepping stone between flat and house ownership.
Practical considerations when buying a maisonette
Before choosing a maisonette, several practical factors deserve careful consideration. Understanding your maintenance responsibilities is crucial when buying a maisonette, as you’ll need to maintain your portion of the building and potentially coordinate with neighbours for shared elements. Building good relationships with neighbouring property owners often proves essential for smooth property management, especially when dealing with communal areas or shared maintenance issues. You’ll also want to think carefully about noise considerations, particularly in converted properties, as sound can travel between floors more easily in some buildings. Other key factors include your storage needs and access to outdoor space, as these can vary significantly between different maisonette properties.
Is a maisonette right for you?
Maisonettes offer an excellent middle ground between flats and houses, particularly suiting certain buyers. They’re ideal if you want more space than a traditional flat but aren’t ready for the full commitment of a detached house. The private entrance and independence appeal to those seeking greater privacy, while the potential for improvement attracts those looking to add value over time. The separate living and sleeping zones make them perfect for families or professionals working from home.
Thinking of buying a maisonette? Contact your local Martin & Co estate agents today.
