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Apartments are the most commonly occupied living spaces, especially in metropolitan cities. But what is the meaning of apartment? The term can be generically applied to any residential unit that is located inside a building. Thus a building can be anything from a house, townhouse, a large residential building and even high rises known as condominiums.
For most people, the answer to what is apartment is a residential unit inside a building. Therefore we can deduce that in simple words, it is a single living space among many others within the same building.
Types of Apartments Buildings : A guide
Apartments come in many different price ranges, sizes and layouts. It can be hard to find the right one as there are so many different factors to consider. Hence to help you find one that meets your needs and exceeds expectations, here is a simple guide. This guide lists different types of apartments that will help you distinguish one from the other.
1. Studio Apartments: Types of apartments buildings with open floor plans
A studio apartment is usually used to denote a small one with an open floor plan. It consists of a single room that combines the bedroom, living room and kitchen space with an attached bathroom. These are small spaces but they do not lack in amenities. Thus for individuals living alone, who are looking to stay close to their offices or universities, a studio is ideal. They are affordable and perfect for those looking for their first home.
2. Duplex: Multi-family homes with two units in the same building
A duplex is a single house or apartment that usually has two or more floors with a staircase connecting the floors from inside it. Thus duplexes are ideal for large families or joint families who want to live together yet have their own privacy. Hence in India there are various kinds of duplex including luxury duplex apartments.
3. Serviced Apartments: Fully furnished apartments with amenities like wifi and housekeeping
What is a serviced apartment? For those looking for a fully set up home for a short term stay in a city different from the one they reside in, this is the perfect solution. They are usually fully furnished and come with various amenities like furnishings, wi-fi, housekeeping and in some cases meal services. Thus these are hassle-free living spaces that come fully equipped.
4. High-rise Apartments
A high-rise apartment is a unit in a housing complex that has 12 or more stories. These types usually have access to multiple elevators.
5. Low-rise Apartments
A low-rise types of apartments buildings is the one in a building with one to four floors which may or may not have access to an elevator.
Benefits of Living in an Apartment
Here are some of the main benefits of living in apartments:
- Centrally located to most business hubs, shopping malls, entertainment etc.
- Apartment complexes also offer great amenities like gyms, clubhouses, swimming pools, communal areas to interact with neighbours, parking and walking trails depending on the size of the apartment
- Safety – They also offer a certain amount of security as they come equipped with safety features like CCTV and security guards
- Affordable
- They also require less maintenance
- Live with a like-minded community – develop relationships with like-minded neighbours who can quickly help out in case of emergencies and find playmates for your children
- Close to grocery stores and public transport
Find the best apartments for you
Looking for the best apartment for you could be an exhausting effort. Here is a concise list of the best apartments on sale in Kolkata for you to check out.
- The 102, Flats for sale in Joka
- One10, Flats for sale in New Town
- Vyom, Flats for sale in New Alipore
- Jiva, Flats for sale near Phoolbagan
- Panache, Flats for sale in Salt Lake
- Amistad, Flats for sale in New Town
- Aurus, Flats for sale off EM Bypass by PS Group
- Majhergaon, Flats for sale in Madhyamgaram
- The Reserve, Flats for sale in Ballygunge
The evolution of housing in India and the rise of Apartments
Housing in India has undergone vast transformations over the years, due to its vast history and diverse geographical, social and cultural settings. In the process, its architecture has evolved as well. The earliest settlements date back to 3000 B.C.E during the Indus Valley civilisation, which is also recognised for its comprehensive urban planning. During the rise of different empires and dynasties, the evolution of housing in India reflected the use of rock cut architecture and stone construction.
Next came the rise in dominance by the Mughals, Rajputs, Marathas and Sikhs. The architectural style of these empires was clearly visible in the public structures and the homes of the wealthy section of society. Also in the rural areas, the commoners depended upon timber, mud bricks and stone to build their homes.
After the Mughals came the influence of the British, Dutch, Portuguese and French who invaded the country and introduced their style of architecture in the region they ruled. During the British rule, India witnessed a major shift in housing due to the rise in trade and a new cultural setting. The conventional bungalow, a one storied structure built from bricks with a sloping roof was introduced. With the onset of urbanisation, people began to migrate to the cities of Mumbai, Madras, and Calcutta, which resulted in the need for more residential spaces. The sizes of the bungalows began to decrease, until it reached its limit.
This was when the apartment system came into practice, with three storied buildings providing residential blocks. By the 1990s with the onset of liberalisation and the entry of the private sector into real estate, there was a mass development into the urban areas of the country. Since then, the size of the houses shrunk, and the stories of the apartment buildings grew leading to the scenario we know of and live in now.
Your future apartment is waiting for you!
Apartments come with many great benefits. If you are looking for great apartments in Kolkata, we have created helpful guides in our blog posts to help you find the perfect apartment for you and your family.
FAQs
The word flat is mostly used in the UK and the adjoining Commonwealth countries. Whereas Americans generally use the term apartment. Another main difference between the two is that a flat has one storey usually and an apartment can be multi-storeyed.
An apartment is in simple words, a single living space among many others within the same building.
Living on the top floor means access to the best views and lesser outside noise. Whereas living on the bottom floor also has its own pros. Thus ultimately, choosing which floor to live in is a matter of personal preference and choice.
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