If you're exploring property options, you may come across the term "maisonette." For many, this can be a bit unclear, as it’s a term not everyone is familiar with. A maisonette is a special kind of home. It combines the advantages of a flat and a house. In the UK, it has unique features that make it different from other types of properties.
In this guide, we will explain what a maisonette is. We will outline its pros and cons, and also discuss its potential for changes and development.
Refurbishment of a Maisonette in East London - BR House by Studio Hallett Ike
What Defines a Maisonette?
A maisonette is a self-contained flat. It has its own front door that opens directly to the outside. This is different from an apartment or flat, which has a shared entrance or hallway.
The French word "maisonette" meaning "little house," gives rise to the term. This gives you a clue about the type of living experience it offers—something closer to a house than a typical flat. Maisonettes are most commonly spread over two floors, with the living space on one level and bedrooms upstairs. This layout is quite different from a single-storey flat.
In the UK, especially in cities like London, older buildings are sometimes split into maisonettes, each with its own entrance. In some properties, lower maisonettes often have private gardens, while upper ones may have access to roof space or lofts.
Key Features of a Maisonette
What truly sets a maisonette apart is its sense of independence. With its own front door, a maisonette offers more privacy than a standard flat. You won’t need to share communal areas, common entrances or hallway with your neighbours, giving it more of a "home-like" feel. This can be particularly appealing if you’re looking for a property that offers more security, space and privacy without the higher cost of a full house.
Most maisonettes are designed over two floors, which makes them more spacious than a single-floor flat. Having separate levels for living spaces and bedrooms can create a more comfortable living arrangement, with a better distinction between areas for relaxing and sleeping. Many maisonettes also come with private outdoor space, particularly in the case of lower maisonettes, which often have private gardens, giving greater opportunity for building a garden studio or garden office, seen here at our recently completed BR House. Upper maisonettes may have access to roof terraces or loft spaces that offer further potential for development.
The Advantages of Owning a Maisonette
There are several benefits to owning a maisonette, especially when compared to a standard flat. First and foremost is the increased privacy. With your own front door, you won’t have to deal with shared entrances or communal spaces, which not only adds a layer of security but also reduces day-to-day inconveniences. Whether it’s easier access for deliveries or simply the freedom to install your own security system, this independence is a major draw for many buyers.
Additionally, maisonettes are often more affordable than traditional houses while offering more space and independence than a flat. They typically provide more floor area than a flat on a single level and often come with additional storage space. For first-time buyers or those looking for a property that feels more like a house but fits more within a flat’s budget.
Potential Drawbacks of a Maisonette
As with any property type, there are some disadvantages to consider when buying a maisonette. Since these homes share a building with other units, they aren’t entirely free from issues that can affect flats, such as noise from neighbours. Furthermore, if your property is located above a business, like a restaurant or café, you may also have to contend with noise or odours from those establishments, especially in high street locations.
Maintenance is another factor. While you have more independence than in a flat, you’ll still need to coordinate with neighbours for any shared building repairs. For instance, if you live in an upper unit that incorporates the top floor, you may be responsible for the roof, while your downstairs neighbour might handle foundation repairs.
Cooperation and communication are key to keeping the property in good condition. These situations can be covered by a service charge agreement where by all occupiers of the building pay into an account to cover issue outlined above (see section on Leasehold vs Freehold below).
Development and Extension Potential
One of the most exciting aspects of owning a maisonette, especially in older properties like Victorian houses, is the potential for development. Both upper and lower maisonettes offer opportunities for extension or renovation, which can significantly increase the property’s value and improve your living space.
If you own an upper maisonette, you may have access to the loft space. This offers the possibility of a loft conversion, which could provide an extra bedroom or additional living space. Loft conversions are a great way to make the most of unused space, and they can be done either as a simple conversion or with the addition of a dormer extension or similar. A dormer window not only adds headroom and floor space but also allows more natural light to enter, making the new room more usable and pleasant.
For those who own a lower maisonette, private garden space can provide the opportunity for an extension. Depending on the layout of the property, you might be able to extend into the side return or the rear, creating a larger kitchen, dining room, or living area. This type of extension is popular in cities where outdoor space is at a premium. Alternatively, as seen at BR House a layout reconfiguration without an extension can be just as transformative and more cost effective. Studio Hallett Ike added a separate garden studio to the property, and this adds additional useful floorspace to the property, ultimately increasing its value.
It’s important to note, however, that maisonettes do not come with the same permitted development rights as houses. This means any significant changes, such as loft conversions or extensions, will require planning permission from the local council. The process typically takes around 8-10 weeks from the submission of your drawings. You’ll also need to get approval from the freeholder of the building, which could come with an additional fee. In most cases, the freeholder will give consent in the form of a "Licence for Alterations." More information on this can be found here at Stage 3. We can help navigate this process for you.
Leasehold vs. Freehold Maisonettes
When purchasing a maisonette, it's crucial to understand whether the property is leasehold or freehold. Most maisonettes are leasehold, meaning you own the property for a set period but not the land it’s built on. With a leasehold, you’ll typically pay ground rent to the freeholder and may also need to contribute to the maintenance of shared areas like external walls or the roof.
Freehold maisonettes are less common but do exist. Owning a freehold maisonette means you own the property outright and won’t need to pay ground rent. If the maisonette is part of a shared freehold, ownership of the building is shared with your neighbours, and you’ll need to work together on any maintenance or repairs.
Costs for maintenance are generally split between the upper and lower units. The upper maisonette is usually responsible for the roof and gutters, while the lower maisonette is responsible for the ground floor and foundations.
Conclusion
A maisonette offers a unique blend of privacy, space, and potential for development, making it an appealing option for buyers looking for something more than a flat but less expensive than a house. With its own front door, two floors, and often access to outdoor space, a maisonette can feel much more like a traditional home than a typical apartment.
However, it’s important to consider the responsibilities of maintenance and the need for planning permission when making alterations. Whether you’re buying your first property or looking for a home with room to grow, a maisonette can be a fantastic choice that balances independence, affordability, and opportunity.
If you are interested in developing your maisonette please get in touch.