In the UK what is the difference between a flat and an apartment

Question

surely they are the same thing

Answer 1

They say apartment to make it seem 'fancier'. In reality there is no difference whatsoever, it is just up their own **** estate agents trying to talk things up.

Answer 2

Yeah i think there the same thing, but apartments tend to be in a purpose built building, and flats are more associated to converted houses and buildings!

Answer 3

They are the same thing. Nobody says 'apartment' in the UK, unless they're trying to sound sophisticated.

Answer 4

They are the same thing. "Apartment" is an Americanism.  

Answer 5

Most people use them synonymously; however, an apartment is a building that has one main room, containing living area, kitchen, etc in an open plan design, with a bedroom/s and bathroom separated off. A flat is similar, but the kitchen is separate from the main living area.

Answer 6

I think because it sounds posher.

Answer 7

You are correct, they are the same thing, calling them apartments is just the latest buzz word for estste agents. They have many amusing descriptions for properties! most terraces have now become 'town houses' or even mews, when they are in reality 2 up 2 down with a back yard, bog standard terraces!

Answer 8

They are the same thing, I think Apartment is more of an american term which we have adopted.

Answer 9

they are exactly the same thing, dont let rightmove bamboozle you