Apartment vs. Building — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
An apartment is a single living unit within a building, while a building is a structure that can house multiple units or purposes.
Difference Between Apartment and Building
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An apartment refers to a self-contained housing unit that occupies part of a building. Apartments are designed to be individual living spaces, typically including areas for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. They are often rented by tenants, although ownership models like condominiums exist, where individuals own their apartment units within the building. On the other hand, a building is any structure with walls and a roof designed to shelter people, animals, possessions, or activities. Buildings can serve a wide range of purposes, including residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional uses.
While an apartment specifically denotes a type of residential space within a larger structure, buildings encompass a broader category of constructions. Buildings can be single-family homes, multi-story residential complexes, office buildings, factories, churches, and more. The key distinction is that an apartment is always meant for living, whereas a building can be designed for various purposes, not limited to habitation.
The term "apartment building" bridges these two concepts, referring specifically to a building that contains multiple apartment units. This type of building is designed with the primary purpose of housing multiple families or individuals in separate living spaces. In contrast, other buildings, such as office buildings or warehouses, are designed with different functionalities in mind, focusing on workspaces, storage, or other non-residential uses.
Ownership and management structures differ between apartments and buildings. An apartment is typically owned or managed by a landlord, property management company, or the individual resident (in the case of condominiums). Meanwhile, the ownership of a building depends on its use; it could be owned by an individual, a corporation, a non-profit organization, or a governmental entity, each managing the building according to its intended purpose.
Architectural and design considerations also vary significantly. Apartments are designed with the comfort and practical needs of residents in mind, prioritizing efficient use of space, privacy, and accessibility. Buildings, depending on their purpose, may prioritize factors like floor space, structural robustness, aesthetics, or the capacity to house machinery, merchandise, or provide services.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A self-contained housing unit within a structure.
Any structure with walls and a roof, designed for various purposes.
Usage
Exclusively for residential living.
Can be residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional.
Ownership
Owned or rented by individuals or managed by a property management company.
Owned by individuals, corporations, non-profits, or governments, depending on use.
Design
Focused on living comfort, privacy, and efficient use of space.
Design varies based on intended use, from simple to complex architectural styles.
Example
An individual unit within a high-rise residential complex.
A skyscraper, house, factory, or church, serving different functions.
Compare with Definitions
Apartment
Designed for living.
The apartment's layout maximizes space and natural light for comfortable living.
Building
Design considerations.
Industrial buildings are designed with high ceilings to accommodate machinery.
Apartment
Part of a building.
Her apartment is on the third floor of a modern downtown building.
Building
Multiple purposes.
The building serves as an office space during the day and hosts community events in the evening.
Apartment
Self-contained unit.
The apartment includes a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom.
Building
Ownership.
The historic building downtown is owned by a local heritage society.
Apartment
Ownership models.
In condominiums, apartments are individually owned within the larger building structure.
Building
Structural diversity.
The city's skyline is defined by buildings of varying heights and architectural styles.
Apartment
Residential space.
Apartments in urban areas are popular choices for those seeking close proximity to work and amenities.
Building
Functional variability.
The new building on the corner includes retail shops, office spaces, and apartments.
Apartment
An apartment (American English), or flat (British English, Indian English, South African English), is a self-contained housing unit (a type of residential real estate) that occupies only part of a building, generally on a single story. There are many names for these overall buildings, see below.
Building
A building, or edifice, is a structure with a roof and walls standing more or less permanently in one place, such as a house or factory. Buildings come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and functions, and have been adapted throughout history for a wide number of factors, from building materials available, to weather conditions, land prices, ground conditions, specific uses, and aesthetic reasons.
Apartment
A flat, typically one that is well appointed or used for holidays
Self-catering holiday apartments
Building
A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory.
Apartment
A room or suite of rooms designed as a residence and generally located in a building occupied by more than one household.
Building
The action or trade of constructing something
The building of motorways
Building materials
Apartment
An apartment building
A row of high-rise apartments.
Building
A flock of rooks
A picture of her standing amongst a building of rooks
Apartment
A room.
Building
Something that is built, as for human habitation; a structure.
Apartment
Apartments Chiefly British A suite of rooms within a larger building set aside for a particular purpose or person.
Building
The act, process, art, or occupation of constructing.
Apartment
A complete domicile occupying only part of a building, especially one for rent; a flat.
Apartment dwellers
Building
(uncountable) The act or process by which something is built; construction.
The building of the bridge will be completed in a couple of weeks.
Apartment
(archaic) A suite of rooms within a domicile, designated for a specific person or persons and including a bedroom.
Building
(countable) A closed structure with walls and a roof.
My sister lives in that apartment building.
Apartment
(obsolete) A division of an enclosure that is separate from others; a compartment
Building
Present participle of build
Apartment
A conceptual space used for separation in the threading architecture. Objects in one apartment cannot directly access those in another, but must use a proxy.
Building
The act of constructing, erecting, or establishing.
Hence it is that the building of our Sion rises no faster.
Apartment
A room in a building; a division in a house, separated from others by partitions.
Building
The art of constructing edifices, or the practice of civil architecture.
The execution of works of architecture necessarily includes building; but building is frequently employed when the result is not architectural.
Apartment
A set or suite of rooms.
Building
That which is built; a fabric or edifice constructed, as a house, a church, etc.
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attireHave cost a mass of public treasury.
Apartment
A compartment.
Building
A structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place;
There was a three-story building on the corner
It was an imposing edifice
Apartment
A room or suite of rooms in a building comprising a dwelling unit separate from others in the building, and typically having its own separate bath, sanitary, and kitchen facilities. Such apartments are in most cases rented from the owner by those dwelling in them.
Building
The act of constructing or building something;
During the construction we had to take a detour
His hobby was the building of boats
Apartment
A suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
Building
The commercial activity involved in constructing buildings;
Their main business is home construction
Workers in the building trades
Building
The occupants of a building;
The entire building complained about the noise
Common Curiosities
Can a building have only one apartment?
Technically, yes, especially in the case of large, luxurious penthouses, but typically buildings house multiple units or serve diverse functions.
Is a condominium considered an apartment or a building?
A condominium refers to the ownership model of an apartment within a building, where units are individually owned.
What is the main difference between an apartment and a building?
An apartment is a living space within a building, while a building is a structure that can serve various purposes.
Why are apartments popular in urban areas?
They offer efficient use of space and proximity to work, entertainment, and amenities, which are highly valued in densely populated areas.
What roles do landlords and property management companies play in apartments?
They are responsible for the maintenance, leasing, and overall management of the apartment, ensuring a comfortable living environment for tenants.
Can the design of an apartment influence its desirability?
Yes, factors like layout, natural light, and amenities significantly affect an apartment's appeal to potential residents.
What are some common types of buildings besides apartment buildings?
Offices, schools, factories, warehouses, and churches are examples of buildings with purposes other than residential.
How do building designs differ based on their use?
Buildings are designed with their specific use in mind, affecting their size, structure, and internal layout. For example, commercial buildings may prioritize open spaces for offices, while residential buildings focus on privacy and living comfort.
How does the concept of mixed-use buildings fit into this comparison?
Mixed-use buildings combine residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces, highlighting the versatility of building usage beyond traditional categorizations.
What is the significance of building architecture in urban planning?
Building architecture plays a crucial role in defining the character, functionality, and sustainability of urban spaces, influencing the quality of life and cultural identity of communities.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
