What Is a Loft Apartment?

Definition

• A loft apartment is, by definition, an apartment, a rentable living space or home, almost always centrally located in an urban environment.
  
  

Characteristics

• Loft apartments are most often characterized by their high ceilings, exposed pipes and ductwork and, traditionally, the absence of defined bedrooms and interior walls. They frequently have concrete floors, exposed brick and large floor-to-ceiling windows.
  
  

Converted Warehouses

• Originally, most lofts became available when old warehouse spaces were converted in downtown areas, giving them their more industrial aspects, such as the exposed pipes and high ceilings.
  
  

New Developments

• Loft living has become so popular in urban centers that developers are now building new loft apartments and condominium buildings with the same characteristics as old, converted warehouse lofts, to meet the demand for loft-style living.
  
  

Renting or Buying

• Loft apartments can be rented, but they can also be bought. In many urban centers real estate agents deal specifically with loft apartments and condos, and can help you find the right loft space.