---
title: "Maisonette, Loft and More: Swedish Housing Types Explained 2026"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-06-23T11:00:00.000Z"
dateModified: "2026-06-23T10:32:33Z"
description: "What is a maisonette (etagelägenhet)? Guide to Swedish housing types in 2026 – maisonette, loft, garden-level, terraced and more. Find the right home type."
categories: ["Guider", "Allmänt"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/swedish-housing-types-explained-2026"
language: "en"
---

# Maisonette, Loft and More: Swedish Housing Types Explained 2026

Property listings in Sweden are full of terms like "etage", "loft" and "souterräng". If you don't know what they mean, it's easy to miss a home that suits you perfectly – or to be disappointed at a viewing. Here we explain the most common Swedish housing types in 2026.

## Maisonette (etagelägenhet)

An **etagelägenhet** is an apartment over two or more floors connected by an internal staircase. "Etage" comes from the French word for floor. It feels like a townhouse or villa, but within an apartment building.

- **Pros:** a clear split between sleeping and living areas, often higher ceilings and more light.
- **Consider:** the staircase takes space and doesn't suit everyone, e.g. families with toddlers or people with mobility needs.

## Loft and gallery-access buildings

A **loft** is an open-plan space, often with high ceilings and a sleeping mezzanine – popular in converted industrial buildings. Don't confuse it with a **gallery-access building** (*loftgångshus*), where apartments are reached via an open outdoor walkway.

## Garden level (souterräng)

A **souterräng** floor sits partly below ground level, but with windows and an exit on the side where the ground slopes. It often gives a cool, secluded floor – common in houses built on sloping terrain.

## Terraced, semi-detached and linked houses

These are popular middle grounds between an apartment and a detached villa:

| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Radhus (terraced) | Individual houses in a continuous row, sharing walls with neighbours |
| Parhus (semi-detached) | Two joined homes sharing one common wall |
| Kedjehus (linked) | Houses linked via e.g. a garage or store, but more freely placed |

## Other common terms

- **Etta, tvåa, trea:** number of rooms (besides the kitchen). A "tvåa" has two rooms and a kitchen.
- **Vindsvåning:** the top floor, often with sloping ceilings.
- **Through-apartment:** windows on two sides, giving cross-ventilation and light.

## Which housing type suits you?

Think about your life, not just the square metres:

- **Want space and privacy?** Maisonette, terraced or semi-detached.
- **Value light and volume?** Loft or a through-apartment.
- **Need accessibility?** Avoid maisonettes and top floors with many stairs.

Whatever the type, the contract decides your security. Read our guide on [first-hand or second-hand](/en/articles/firsthand-or-secondhand-rental-contract-sweden) before you sign.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is a maisonette more expensive?**
Not necessarily, but extra space and a multi-floor layout can affect the rent. See our guide to [reasonable rent](/en/articles/reasonable-rent-sweden-2026).

**What's the difference between a loft and a maisonette?**
A loft is often an open mezzanine within the same room, while a maisonette has full separate floors.

## Summary

Swedish listings use many terms – maisonette, loft, garden level, terraced, semi-detached and more. Once you know what they mean, you'll find a home that fits your everyday life faster. [Search available rentals on Bofrid](/sok-bostad) and filter by the type that suits you.