So what is it about flats and maisonettes that people don’t like?
The fact of the matter is that there is not enough social housing in the country and quite frankly there simply isn’t the space to keep on building more houses unless built on greenbelt land or land that is unsuitable i.e. flood plain or previous dump. What would you prefer – a house that comes complete with a flood warning or a gas mask as a house warming gift? Or a flat that is large, well built and in a safe and environmentally friendly spot?
It would be fair to say that a majority of residents don’t worry too much over a town or city’s core planning strategy. But they do note what’s happening in their road, especially when new flats are built – then for some reason, planners will get a negative reaction. If flats are getting knocked down, residents usually give a positive reaction.
[ad#Google 200×200 left]Why? What’s the real difference between a four storey block of flats and a row of four terraced houses?
Not much really! One lot is built horizontally and the other vertically – you still have neighbours either side of you – no matter which way you look at it!
Housing Associations are now building flats that look like houses. OK. But you still don’t want it because it’s a flat! The majority of reasons are “but I want a house with a garden for the kids or animals” or “I want to sit out in my own garden – not a communal one”. They are fair points. But what about all the people who no longer have kids at home and/or don’t have pets? Why is a house so important?
[ad#Google 200×200 right]Local authorities usually have more flats than houses in their housing stock. Obviously there are exceptions but a lot of councils only offer new tenants flats. Councils and Housing Associations are under a lot of pressure to build just houses and bungalows. The properties being built are getting smaller – the overall square footage per house has shrunk by 15%. Apiece of land that now holds 85 houses would have held 100 houses 30 years ago. Gardens have shrunk by a massive 40% in footage.
Your comments are welcome about this subject.
Author: CCHE Deb
i dont like flats as someone is walking around and makeing alot of noise above or below you! and i dont like maisonettes as ther gardens (if they have one) are so small.
When we moved into our flat, I must admit I was disappointed not to get a house. But now, seven years on, I want to exchange to another flat. Why? because our flat has most of the advantages of a house- it has a garden, front and back doors, external storage- but the heating bill is cheap because there is a flat above ours and on either side, keeping heat in, it’s more secure because there’s always someone around, and there are no stairs to worry about. I must admit I wouldn’t want to live in a tower block though.
Hi Sheena, I had to reply to you, and couldn’t agree with you more. I am fortunate to have a house but have lived in flats before. My problem is we are now trying to move outer London, there appears to be a wide range of people wanting to move into London but always seem to request a bungalow or house….and not on an estate…..please this is London, I have lived here all my life and have never come across a bungalow..London is the sardine capital as I always say house’s are now few and far between…..
Like I said I do have a lovely big house, however because it’s on a small estate people turn the noses up. We are even prepared to take a flat or maisonette, but no people want a street property, I have got to the point of wanting to say well you’d better start saving.
Mover, I used to have someone live below me and I was always considerate, I carpeted my flat throughout, whilst there are a few out there who have no consideration we are not all the same. I have also viewed many maisonettes and there garden’s were bigger then mine…..at the end of the day to have a garden is a bonus and luxury, no matter what size…my saying is you don’t live out in the garden 24/7 it’s what’s inside that matters the most.
I would never exchange to a flat or maisonette. There is no privacy and you’re living with noise all around you. I like to go out of my door into my own personal garden. i have front and rear so am lucky. i’ve lived in a ground floor flat once with own garden etc and only one above and still hated it. I’m sorry but anyone saying they prefer a flat is only saying sobecause they cant get a house
I live in a maisonette on an estate in London. My estate has no trouble and is very peaceful and quiet. I have my own front and back door which leads to a small garden. What gets me is that people state “NO ESTATES” but in places like Glasgow they are actually living in estates they are just called schemes so maybe you should start calling it that. I have no issue with noise as the maisonettes are very well built I paid £300 gas bill last year for a two bedroom. Some people turn their noses up at maisonettes, no gardens and flats but HEY wake up you are in a council house after all which makes you no better than the person trapped on the 21st floor of a tower block lucky enough to have windows never mind a garden/balcny.
I think it is a very personal choice… I ersonally would never have a flat or maisonette as I have an assistance dog, 2 young children and there is 3 disabled people in our household, so a house or bungalow for us is essential. I have lieved in flats before (privately rented) and have enjoyed it but now it is not a realistic proposition for our family.
Many people live happily in flats and I have to disagree with Suzanna Kennedy when she says
“I’m sorry but anyone saying they prefer a flat is only saying sobecause they cant get a house”
What a load of old poppycock! Thousands of people accross the UK live in council flats and many of them are very happy!!! That is your opinion forced on the people that live in flats. Have you ever lived in a flat? I doubt it!
i am moving into a masionette soon but am a bit worried about the quality of living as i am moving from a house with fairly big back yard is this a good idea or wait for the next offer from concil ?????
There knocking down the flats im in (belfast) so they are moving me and giving me up to £4000 in compo, Im not complaining 🙂
I much prefer to live in a flat, having lived in a house for the last six years I am now back to a flat and breathing a sigh of relief. The rooms are larger, there is more light (unless you’re on the ground floor of course) and it is more compact, no need to run up and down stairs for things. Also, being a managed flat, it is up to the management company to fix major things that go wrong. If you want green space you go to the nearest park or public garden.