A low-rise is a building that is only a few stories tall.

There is no universally accepted height requirement for a building to be considered a low-rise. Some define the term as any building that is shorter than a high-rise, though others include the classification of mid-rise.

Emporis defines a low-rise as "an enclosed structure below 35 meters [115 feet] which is divided into regular floor levels."

Toronto defines a mid-rise as a building between 4 and 12 storeys.

Low-rise apartments sometimes offer more privacy and negotiability of rent and utilities than high-rise apartments, although they may have fewer amenities and less flexibility with leases. It is also easier to put out fires in low-rise buildings.

Within North America due to the legal-economic and modernist perspectives low-rises can in some cities be seen as less luxurious than high-rises, within Western Europe for historical and legal reasons, low-rise tends to be more attractive in terms of historic identity. Some businesses prefer low-rise buildings due to lower costs and more usable space. Having all employees on a single floor may also increase work productivity.