Apartment: Definition, Advantages and Disadvantages
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What is an apartment?
An apartment is a residential unit in a multi-family building where several households share the same structure. Unlike a detached house or townhouse, the apartment dweller is not responsible for maintaining the entire building — that is a shared responsibility among all residents. Apartments are most common in cities and urban areas, where land is expensive and construction must be efficient.
A typical apartment might be a two-room unit on the third floor of an older Stockholm building, or a modern three-room apartment in a newly built residential complex in Gothenburg. Sizes range from small studios to larger family apartments with multiple rooms and a balcony.
Apartment vs other housing types
The difference between apartment and detached house
A detached house is a standalone home where one family lives in complete isolation and is responsible for all maintenance both inside and outside. An apartment, on the other hand, shares walls, ceiling, and often the entrance with neighbors. Houses offer more privacy and a larger plot, while apartments are more economical and require less personal maintenance work.
Townhouse and apartment
Townhouses fall between a detached house and an apartment — they are connected houses in a row where each family has its own house but shares walls with neighbors. Townhouses offer more privacy than apartments but less than detached houses, and maintenance costs are usually higher than apartments but lower than houses.
Advantages of an apartment
Economic benefits
One of the biggest advantages of renting or owning an apartment is the lower cost compared to a house or townhouse. Since construction costs are shared among many households, the rent or purchase price per apartment is lower. Additionally, heating and energy costs are often less because apartments are well-insulated and heat from neighboring apartments helps retain warmth.
Shared costs for property maintenance — such as snow removal, facade cleaning, and stairwell lighting — are also distributed among all residents, making the individual cost reasonable.
Location and accessibility
Apartments are almost always located in good areas near public transportation, shops, restaurants, and other services. You can often walk to work or take the bus within minutes. This is particularly valuable for people who don't want to or can't drive daily.
Less maintenance responsibility
You don't need to worry about painting the facade, replacing the roof, or repairing the external structure — that's the responsibility of the property owner or housing cooperative. This saves both time and money for the individual renter or cooperative member.
Safety and community
In a multi-family building, there are often more people around, which can provide a sense of security. Many apartment complexes also have shared spaces such as laundry rooms, bike storage, or courtyards where neighbors can meet.
Disadvantages of an apartment
Noise disturbances and limited privacy
The biggest disadvantage of an apartment is sharing walls and floors with neighbors. Sound from footsteps, music, TV, and conversations can be heard through walls, especially in older buildings with poor sound insulation. You may also hear when neighbors shower or use the washing machine.
Shared costs and decisions
Beyond rent or cooperative fees, you often pay for shared costs such as snow removal, facade cleaning, elevators, and lighting. These costs can increase over time. Additionally, major repairs or renovations often require approval from all residents or a board, which can slow down the process.
Limited outdoor space
Most apartments have no private garden or only a small balcony. If you have pets or children who need lots of outdoor space, this can be a limitation. The courtyard is usually shared and cannot be used completely freely.
Less flexibility with renovations
You cannot always make the changes you want in your apartment without asking the property owner or cooperative. Removing walls, changing flooring, or installing new windows may require permission and could affect neighbors' apartments.
Apartments on the rental market
Renting an apartment is very common on the Swedish housing market. Many people begin their adult lives by renting an apartment before saving up to buy a cooperative apartment or house. The rental market prices for apartments vary greatly depending on location, size, and standard. An apartment in central Stockholm might cost 15,000 kronor per month for a two-room unit, while the same apartment in a smaller city might cost half that.
Who is an apartment suitable for?
Apartments are perfect for:
- Young adults who have just moved out
- Single people or couples without children
- People who work in the city center and want to minimize commute time
- Those who prefer low maintenance burden
- People with limited budgets who want to live in a good location
Apartments are less suitable for:
- Large families who need lots of space
- People who are sensitive to noise
- Those with many pets
- People who want full control over their home and surroundings
Frequently asked questions about apartments
What is included in shared costs for an apartment?
Shared costs typically include facade cleaning, snow removal, stairwell and outdoor lighting, elevators, building insurance, and maintenance of shared spaces such as laundry rooms and bike storage. The cost is divided among all apartments.
Can I renovate my apartment freely?
It depends on whether you rent or own the apartment. As a renter, you typically cannot make major changes without asking the property owner. As a cooperative member, you can do more, but major changes that affect the structure or neighboring apartments may require approval from the cooperative.
How can I reduce noise disturbances from neighbors?
You can lay thick carpets on the floor, hang heavy curtains, install sound-dampening panels on walls, or install thicker doors. Communication with neighbors is also important — many noise problems can be solved by talking about the issue.
Is an apartment cheaper than a house?
Yes, an apartment is almost always cheaper than a house both in terms of rent and purchase price. Since costs are shared among many households, the individual cost is much lower.