Know the difference between an 'appartement' and a 'flat'? A 'maison bourgeoise' and a 'maison de maître'? Read on to find out...

The terms studio and flat appear to be interchangeable and usually mean one convertible living room, bedroom, with separate kitchenette and bathroom.

Appartement - the basic difference between an apartment and a flat, or studio, is that the former has a separate living room, a full kitchen and one or more bedrooms.

En Filade means three rooms (usually) in a row separated by double doors.

Villa means a house surrounded by a garden. It could also be semi-detached, that is joined on one side to another villa.

 Maison is a townhouse, attached usually with a garden in the back.

Maison de maître/Herenhuis usually means an elegant townhouse with gracious appointments both inside and out, often terraced.

Maison bourgeoise may be a very lovely townhouse, but not quite as splendid, nor does it have the standing of a Maison de Maitre.

Maison d'Ouvrier is a simple row house of worker level, usually very simple, but often cleverly converted and modernized. Most likely listed simply as a maison.

Fermette/Boederijtje does not necessarily mean a small farm, just that the house has been built or restored to a rustic style.

Living could mean the living room or parlour, or it might indicate the room where you have to eat as well as watch television.

Bureau is usually a small room near the entrance.

Cave means a storage area in an apartment house or a converted multifamily townhouse. Where single-family townhouses or villas are concerned, the mentioning of a cave would probably mean for wine storage. It is expected that in such a house, a cellar has been built into the foundations, where one would find the central heating, utility rooms and storage space.

Toilet/WC is usually one toilet generally located near the entrance for the use of guests even in the case of a small modern apartment. Larger apartments and houses will normally have another toilet in the private accommodation area, near to at least one bathroom.

Garage is, because of its importance, mentioned in the advertisement if there is a garage or a garage space is on the premises.

Cuisine/Keuken is the kitchen and they are semi-equipped, equipped and super-equipped. The first usually means that there is at least one sink (often there is a double sink in Belgium) and cupboards built in. Equipped usually indicates that there is a cooker and fridge and perhaps more. A dishwasher may find its way into a super-equipped kitchen, but washers and dryers are rarely provided. If necessary, temporary rental arrangements are possible, which include basic kitchen equipment, plus pots and pans and even a microwave oven.

Office is a pantry type room off of the kitchen, usually only found in older luxurious residences.

Armoires /Kasten - Built in closets are not generally found in apartments or houses in Belgium. Storage space can become a problem, as you must supply your own armoires. What may look like a nice, big square room isn't the same when you have to squeeze in an armoire as well as the rest of your furnishings.

Electrical fixtures - Light fixtures in any unfurnished accommodation will usually consist of a bulb in a simple socket dangling from the ceiling. Note: The tenant is expected to furnish his own fixtures throughout the premises. If the previous tenant is still in residence, negotiations might be made for purchasing those that please you.

April 2008 

[Copyright Expatica] Subject: Life in Belgium