Glossary · Types of home
Penthouse
In short
A large unit on the top floor or floors of a building, usually with a terrace and sometimes a private pool. In brochures the word is also used for the largest unit type on any upper floor.
What it means
Strictly, a penthouse is the home at the top of a building. It tends to be the largest unit, with higher ceilings, a terrace or roof deck and the widest view. Developers also use the name for their largest layouts on several upper floors, so check which floor a "penthouse" is actually on.
What to check
- Whether the terrace, roof deck or pool is part of your unit on the title deed or a common area you have the exclusive right to use. The difference matters when you sell.
- Who maintains the waterproofing of the roof above and around you.
- Heat: a top floor under the sun needs good insulation and costs more to cool.
- The share of common fees, which follows the registered area and is therefore large.