| 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 |
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:
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 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.
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 and filter by the type that suits you.
