Purpose-built
PER-pus-bilt
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
A building constructed as flats from the start, rather than converted from a house. Usually better soundproofing and layouts, often with lifts and communal entrances. "Purpose-built student accommodation" (PBSA) means private student halls.
Chinese explanation
一开始就作为公寓建造的楼，而非住宅改建。通常隔音和格局更好，常有电梯和公共入口。"Purpose-built student accommodation"（PBSA）指私营学生公寓。
Example conversation
A: The block is purpose-built with a lift.
B: Good — conversions can be noisy between floors.
A：这栋楼是专建公寓楼，带电梯。
B：不错——改建公寓楼上下层之间往往很吵。
What you could say back
No spoken reply needed for this one.
Related phrases
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
Go deeper
All Renting & Housing
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake