Flats

Flats are self-contained residential units that occupy part of a larger building. They may be rented or owned. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Australia, and much of the Commonwealth, the term flat is common; in the United States the equivalent is typically apartment, although "flat" is understood in some contexts and in historical usage. Flats often share common entrances and facilities with other units.

Common configurations include studios (one main room with kitchenette and bathroom), one- or two-bedroom flats, duplexes or maisonettes that span more than one floor, and penthouses at the top of a building. Layouts emphasize efficient use of space; many have open-plan living areas, built-in storage, and shared amenities such as lifts, hallways, and common gardens or lobbies. In newer developments, flats may include energy-efficient fittings and accessible design.

Ownership and governance of flats differ by jurisdiction. In many markets flats are sold as leaseholds within a building and run by an owners' corporation or strata scheme, with service charges covering maintenance of common areas and amenities. In other systems, flats are leaseholds or co-ops, with shared responsibilities among residents and possibly long-term financing considerations distinct from freehold houses.

Historically, flats arose with urbanization and tenement-style housing in the 19th and early 20th centuries and have since diversified into luxury penthouses and purpose-built rental blocks. The term and its status can reflect housing policy, affordability, and planning norms across regions, influencing debates on density, livability, and access to housing.