What is a loft apartment?

Contrary to what most people think, you don't need to be a trend-setting jet-setter or own a startup to rent or even own a loft apartment. The great thing about this type of apartment option is that it's extremely versatile and would suit almost anyone -- whether you're single, newly-weds, or a young family.

But what is a loft apartment, exactly, and why are they so popular anyway? If you're busy weighing up your options about where and what to rent, this is the blog for you.

Read on to learn more about loft apartments, their pros, cons, and how to make your decision.

What Is a Loft Apartment, Anyway?

Loft apartments generally come with a very interesting history. Most of the time, these types of apartments once served as an industrial building of some kind. Many loft apartments are conversions of these historical industrial buildings.

Some of the hallmark characteristics of a loft apartment include high ceilings, exposed piping, beams, and brickwork, as well as large windows and plenty of open-plan space.

An authentic loft apartment generally sits in a building that was built for an industrial purpose. However, there are a number of modern complexes today designed to look and feel like authentic lofts.

Design and Space

Lofts are similar to studio apartments in that they are one, singular, open-plan space with very few walls, if any. Aside from a wall or two that designates the bathroom area, of course.

Most loft apartments are well-known for how much free space they offer. When you compare them to the size of regular apartments, this is a huge benefit of loft living.

While many lofts feature one, central space, some include additional walls in order to designate bedrooms for more privacy. These types of lofts are ideal for those looking to live with roommates or for families (and tend to cost more).

Some loft apartments might be divided into two, vertically. That is, the loft could have a second, mezzanine floor that serves as a bedroom, an office space, or a chill-out area.

Most of the time, you'll find authentic loft spaces in former industrial areas of most large cities, as well as in urban cores. In some cases, you may even find a loft apartment outside the city, but it might not be a truly authentic loft.

What Are the Different Types of Loft Apartments?

Believe it or not, there are actually a few different types of loft apartments to choose from. Much of the time, the type of loft you go for depends on your budget. Here's a quick look at the different types:

Hard Lofts

Any well-versed real estate agent will know that a hard loft is one that is completely authentic. It exists within an industrial or commercial space and is renovated into a usable living space.

Hard lofts tend to retain most of their industrial features -- this includes unfinished ceilings, exposed piping, beams, electrical wiring, and even open ductwork.

Soft Lofts

On the other end of the spectrum is the soft loft. This type of loft is not authentic -- meaning that it's built to mimic the look and feel of an industrial hard loft.

Soft lofts are not usually part of an industrial building or commercial space. Instead, they're part of apartment complexes that include loft apartments as a renting option.

Soft lofts look almost exactly the same as hard lofts with the open-plan concept. However, they tend to include updated utilities, modern features, storage, and on-site amenities.

A Loft Conversion

If you've spent your fair share of time house hunting, you've probably come across the term ''loft conversion''. Basically, it has two meanings. The first could mean that an industrial space has been converted for residential living, i.e. a full loft apartment.

The second is when a homeowner converts part of their home to create a livable loft space, such as their attic.

The Pros of Loft Living

So, now that you're aware of the different types of loft apartments, why should you choose to live in a loft, anyway? Here are some of the top benefits:

Decoration Is a Dream

One of the best things about living in a loft is how much space you have to work with when it comes to decorating. Sure, you may not have many walls to decorate, but you can fill the space to your heart's content and truly make it your own.

As a renter, you're normally quite limited in how much you can decorate. But with a loft apartment, the open-plan space allows for far more freedom and personalization.

You Don't Have to Fret About Noise

One of the biggest downsides of apartment living is the amount of noise you have to put up with from your neighbors or the people that live above you. When you live in a loft, you don't have to worry about neighborly noise at all.

Due to the high ceilings, and the fact that you live on the top floor of the building, noise is not an issue in a loft apartment. To add to this, most authentic loft spaces feature concrete floors which also work a treat at muffling out noise.

You Live in the Hub of It All

As mentioned, you'll find most loft apartments in city centers or trendy, industrial-type areas. If you're looking for a great selection of amenities in your neighborhood, loft living can offer this.

Most of the time, you'll be living in one of the coolest parts of your city, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, parks, good transport routes, and more.

You'll Have Plenty of Space

If there was one thing that sets loft living apart from other renting options, it's the sheer amount of space you get to live with. Most of the time, you're offered about 1,000 square feet in a loft apartment, if not more.

This is why loft living is so great for all walks of life. If you're looking to apartment-share, there's plenty of space. If you have children -- there's plenty of space. If you plan on having children -- there's plenty of space!

The Cons of Loft Living

When weighing up your renting options, it's also important to get real about the downsides of where you'll be living. Living in a loft apartment does come with a few honest cons:

A Lack of Privacy

Due to the open-plan nature of most loft spaces, you might find yourself pressed for some privacy, especially if you plan on apartment sharing.

However, there are simple ways around this. You can ask your landlord about adding in a floating wall as the space permits. Or, there's also the option of using room dividers and tall furniture to demarcate separate areas of the loft.

If you're looking to fill the large open space, the best way to do so is with your furniture placement, i.e. with chairs and couches, as well as area rugs.

Not Enough Storage Space

Most loft apartments are not fitted with more than one bedroom space. Naturally, this means there is a lack of cupboard/wardrobe and storage space in a loft. While the kitchen may have enough storage space, there's the issue of storing clothes, such as winter coats, outdoor gear, craft supplies, etc.

But, once again, there are simple solutions to this. Today, you can invest in portable build-it-yourself wardrobes, shelving units, tall bookshelves, or even simpler -- clothing racks.

There are plenty of collapsible storage options on the market today, it just takes a little research to find what you need.

Fewer Onsite Amenities

The reality is that most authentic loft apartments exist inside older, industrial buildings. These buildings weren't ever built with residential living in mind, so you'll find that your building doesn't offer most amenities like other apartment buildings.

This includes amenities such as an onsite gym, laundry area, grill or entertainment area, or swimming pool. Most loft buildings that do offer these amenities come with a higher price tag, too.

Cost and High-Demand

Finally, you want to consider the cost of living in a loft apartment, as well as finding one that's available in your price range. Many older loft apartments are not as energy-efficient as the modern-built apartments of today. This means that you'll most likely pay a little bit more for your utility bills.

While this factor isn't exactly a deal-breaker, you want to ask your real estate agent or landlord to give you a rough estimate of utility costs each month before you sign your lease.

Finding a loft apartment within your budget is not always easy, either. This is because loft living is very popular and usually the well-priced options fly off the market in no time. This means that you might need to reconsider your rent budget if you're determined to live in a loft. Basically, you may have to pay more to find the perfect fit.

Find Your Ideal Apartment with Rent Lingo

We hope this blog has answered your questions on ''what is a loft apartment?'', and given you enough information to help you make an informed decision when apartment hunting.

If you're looking for apartment ratings and reviews you can trust in today's day and age, then Rent Lingo is here for you! While the internet is packed with resources to help you find an apartment, how many of them can you really trust?

Rent Lingo is your trusted online resource for finding the best apartment to suit your needs. Check out our first-time renter's guide for more.

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