Maisonette / Duplex Apartments – A Distinctive Living Experience

 

The term “maisonette” originates from the French word meaning “little house.” It perfectly captures the charm of this special type of apartment: a maisonette spans multiple floors within a single unit, typically arranged over two or more levels. Larger maisonette apartments may extend across three or even more floors. This type of residence is also commonly referred to as a duplex or gallery apartment, depending on its architectural features.

Access between floors is usually provided by an internal staircase, giving the impression of living in one’s own private house—despite being in a multi-unit building in the heart of Berlin.

 

Split Levels – Distinct Zones for Living and Privacy

 

The multi-level layout of a maisonette allows for a clear separation of living areas. The lower floor is ideal for everyday living spaces, such as the entrance area, living room, kitchen, or even a combined kitchen-dining space. It can also be used as a home office or business area. The upper level offers privacy and retreat—perfect for bedrooms, children’s rooms, dressing areas, bathrooms, or guest accommodations.

 

Gallery Living – Charm Beneath the Roof

 

Maisonettes are often located on the uppermost floors of a building. Expanded attic levels can create stylish and functional living spaces with unique floorplans.

Particularly in maisonettes with partially open floors or stairway voids, impressive galleries and double-height ceilings create a sense of spaciousness and architectural character. These gallery-style spaces offer visual connections between floors—residents can look down from the upper level or up from the lower level, enhancing the open feel of the layout. With generous window façades, such apartments are often filled with light and offer a spacious, airy atmosphere. In higher maisonette units, residents may even enjoy sweeping views over Berlin’s skyline.

Maisonettes are increasingly being built at ground and first-floor levels in so-called townhouses, often featuring private terraces, garages, and gardens. Occasionally, maisonettes also include basement levels as part of their living space—though this is becoming less common.

 

Living Like in a Private House – Right in the Heart of Berlin

 

Apartment hunting in Berlin can be challenging—especially for those with higher expectations. Often, one must choose between a green suburban area or city living without outdoor space. Maisonettes offer an ideal alternative: centrally located yet offering features like spacious rooftop terraces or rooftop gardens.

This apartment type provides a unique sense of privacy and exclusivity, meeting the highest standards in both design and quality of life. Particularly in newly built developments, maisonettes often embody a modern loft character—with high ceilings, open layouts, expansive windows, and smart, elegant floorplans that optimize every square meter.

Maisonette apartments—especially those in combination with modern rooftop developments—are among the most attractive residential options on Berlin’s real estate market. Buyers looking to invest in Berlin often prefer this distinctive style of property, appreciating both its aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility. The lower level can even be adapted for commercial use, allowing residents to live and work harmoniously under one roof—making this apartment type even more appealing.

So if you're not just looking for any apartment in Berlin, but a one-of-a-kind residence that meets higher expectations in terms of style, space, and quality, a well-located, high-end maisonette apartment is an excellent choice.