What is the difference between a flat and an appartment?

Answer 1

Flats are apartments in England. Apartments are flats in the US. Or, maybe it is vice versa?

Answer 2

The difference is in usage. The British talk of a block of flats, where as the Americans are more likely to say a high rise. Now the term apartment had been in use in America, and was carried forward. In Britain, there was more of a lodger culture, rather than people living in separate rooms, or apartments. The British use descriptive term 'flat' i.e. on one level.. However, as this is not necessarily the case and a latinate expression always sounds better, it is more probable that the term apartment will be used here. After all why use one syllable when three will do?

Answer 3

Not much difference really. apartments though, are usually more open plan than a flat.. Builder have started calling flats Luxury apartments just because it sounds more appealing..

Answer 4

There is no difference except that in estate agent speak an "appartment" is going to cost you a whole lot more.

Answer 5

Apartment is the American word for a British flat.

Answer 6

Flat has got no p's and apartment has got only 1!

Answer 7

a flat is generally a kitchen and living room together then a seperate bedroom wheras a apartment is more seperate
a flat is usally hi rise

Answer 8

Other than spelling, nothing. Flat is often an English term, apartment is US term.

Answer 9

A flat is often without its own entry, sort of open to others as well. Apartment has its own entry and can be locked with one door. ~

Answer 10

Flat in the U.K. apartment in the U.S.A. calling things different makes the yanks think they are somehow superior!