Conversion (converted flat)

kon-VER-zhun

Neutral Neutral

What it really means

A flat created by dividing a large old house into several flats. Often characterful with high ceilings, but soundproofing between flats can be poor and layouts can be odd.

Chinese explanation

由老式大宅分隔改建而成的公寓。通常有格调、天花板高，但户与户之间隔音可能差，格局也可能奇怪。

Example conversation

A: Is it purpose-built or a conversion? B: A conversion — the top half of an old Victorian house.

A：是专门建的公寓楼还是改建的？ B：改建的——一栋维多利亚老宅的上半部分。

What you could say back

“How's the soundproofing between the flats?”

Related phrases

Purpose-built Period property Maisonette

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake