Buying or renting a home can be exciting, but it can also be confusing if you don’t know the common real estate terms. Understanding these terms helps you make the right choice, plan your budget, and design your home easily. In this blog, we will explain the most common property and housing terms in simple language so that you can make informed decisions.
1. Villa
A villa is a type of large and luxurious house, usually standing alone with its own private garden or yard. It is often designed for comfort, privacy, and style, sometimes with features like a swimming pool, multiple bedrooms, terraces, and modern amenities.
In simple words: a villa is a big, fancy house, usually independent, with extra space and luxury facilities.
Why it’s important:
Villas are great for families who want space, privacy, and a peaceful lifestyle.
Tip: Villas cost more but give freedom to customize your home.
2. Flat / Apartment
A flat or apartment is a home that is part of a bigger building. It has rooms like a bedroom, hall, kitchen, and bathroom, but you share the building and some facilities like stairs, lift, or garden with other people.
Flats are usually described by the number of bedrooms:
- 1 BHK – 1 Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen
- 2 BHK – 2 Bedrooms, Hall, Kitchen
- 3 BHK – 3 Bedrooms, Hall, Kitchen
- 4 BHK – 4 Bedrooms, Hall, Kitchen
In simple words: a flat is a home inside a building, and BHK shows how many bedrooms it has.
Why it’s important:
Flats are more affordable than independent houses, easier to maintain, and often come with society amenities.
Tip: Flats are perfect for small families, couples, and first-time buyers.
3. Floor
A floor is a level or story of a building. Buildings usually have many floors stacked on top of each other. Each floor can have rooms, flats, or offices.
Some common floors are:
- Ground Floor – The bottom floor, usually near the entrance.
- First Floor – The floor above the ground floor.
- Second Floor – The floor above the first floor, and so on.
In simple words: a floor is one layer or level of a building where people live or work.
Why it’s important:
Higher floors offer better sunlight and views, while lower floors are easier to access and safer for kids or elderly.
4. Society Flat / Society Floor
- Society Flat: A flat inside a housing society with shared facilities like a gym, playground, garden, and security.
- Society Floor: Usually fewer flats on each floor, still part of a society.
Why it’s important:
Society flats give access to amenities and a sense of community.
5. Independent House / Jad Se Makaan
A standalone house where you don’t share walls or facilities with neighbors.
Why it’s important:
Independent houses give privacy, freedom to design your home, and more outdoor space.
Tip: Choose independent houses if you want more space and privacy, but they are usually costlier than flats.
6. Semi-Furnished Flat
A flat that comes with basic fittings like kitchen cabinets, cupboards, and fans.
Why it’s important:
It is affordable and lets you bring your own furniture according to your style.
7. Fully-Furnished Flat
A flat ready to move in with all furniture, lights, fans, kitchen appliances, and sometimes curtains.
Why it’s important:
Perfect for people who want a hassle-free move without buying furniture.
8. Bacha Flat (Small Flat)
A Bacha Flat or Small Flat is a compact home for 1–2 people or a small family. It usually has a bedroom, hall, kitchen, and bathroom, but less space than bigger flats. Bacha flats are often located on the ground floor or near the parking area of a building. They are affordable, easy to maintain, and ideal for small families, bachelors, or couples.
Why it’s important:
Budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and ideal for first-time buyers.
9. Flats with Roof Rights / Terrace Garden
A flat with roof rights means the owner of the flat has the right to use the building’s roof above their flat. This space can be used to make a terrace garden, small seating area, or for other personal purposes.
A terrace garden is a garden built on the roof or terrace of a building. People can grow plants, flowers, or even vegetables, and use it as a relaxing outdoor space.
In simple words:
Terrace garden = A garden on your roof where you can relax or grow plants.
Flats with roof rights = You can use the roof above your flat.
Why it’s important:
Roof rights provide extra outdoor space for plants, relaxation, or small gatherings.
10. Carpet Area / Built-Up Area
- Carpet Area: The actual usable area inside your flat.
- Built-Up Area: The flat area including walls, balconies, and some common spaces.
Why it’s important:
Knowing the carpet vs built-up area helps you understand the real space you will get.
11. Gated Community
A gated community is a residential area or society that is fully secured with a gate and boundary walls. Only residents and authorized visitors can enter, making it safe and private.
🌟 Features of a Gated Community
🏡 Clean and Maintained Environment – Regular cleaning, waste management, and greenery for a healthy lifestyle.
🛡️ Security Guards and CCTV for Safety – 24/7 security with cameras and guards to ensure residents’ safety.
🚪 Boundary Walls and Gates to Control Entry – Only residents and authorized visitors can enter, reducing outside disturbance.
🌳 Parks, Playgrounds, and Common Areas for Residents – Open spaces for kids to play, families to walk, and communities to connect.
Why it’s important:
Provides safety, community living, parks, and playgrounds.
12. Balcony / Veranda
A balcony is a small platform that sticks out from the wall of a building, usually attached to a bedroom or living room. People use it to enjoy fresh air, sunlight, or a view.
A veranda (or verandah) is a covered open space attached to the front or side of a house. It is usually bigger than a balcony and can be used for sitting, relaxing, or welcoming guests.
In simple words:
Veranda – A bigger covered outdoor space attached to the house.
Balcony – A small open platform outside a room.
Why it’s important:
Great for fresh air, small plants, or enjoying morning tea.
13. Maintenance Charges
Maintenance charges are the fees residents pay to take care of the building or society. This money is used for cleaning stairs and corridors, maintaining lifts, security, parks, gardens, and repairs. Paying these charges keeps the place clean, safe, and comfortable. In simple words, it is the money you pay to keep your home and society well-maintained.
Why it’s important:
Helps keep the society clean, safe, and well-maintained.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
A flat and an apartment are the same. In India, the word “flat” is commonly used, while “apartment” is more common in Western countries.
Because villas provide more space, privacy, land ownership, and luxury features compared to flats in buildings.
A society flat in a gated community is considered safe because it offers security, community living, and modern facilities.