Apartment Size: Find the Right Space for Your Lifestyle

When you start looking for a place to live, the first thing you notice is the size. A bigger unit feels spacious, but it also costs more. A smaller one saves money but might feel cramped. Knowing exactly what you need helps you avoid paying for space you’ll never use.

Most listings give the total area in square feet (or meters). That number includes everything inside the walls – bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and even balconies if they’re part of the unit. It doesn’t count common areas like stairways or the lobby. Understanding this difference is key to comparing properties accurately.

How to Measure Square Footage

Start by drawing a simple floor plan on paper or a free app. Measure the length and width of each room, then multiply the two numbers. Add the results together for all rooms. If a room is irregular, break it down into rectangles and triangles, calculate each piece, and sum them up. Don’t forget to include closets, pantry spaces, and any built‑in worktops you plan to use.

When you get the total, compare it with the seller’s claim. If the listing says 1,200 sq ft but your calculation shows 1,050 sq ft, ask for clarification. Some developers count balcony area or even the thickness of walls, which can inflate the number.

Popular Apartment Layouts and What They Offer

A 1BHK (one bedroom, hall, kitchen) typically ranges from 500 sq ft to 800 sq ft in Indian cities. It’s great for singles or couples who don’t need a lot of storage. A 2BHK adds a second bedroom, pushing the size to 800 sq ft‑1,200 sq ft. This layout fits small families, offers a home office option, and usually includes a larger living area.

In some markets you’ll see the term “T2 apartment.” It’s essentially a two‑bedroom unit, but the “T” stands for “type” in local naming conventions. The layout often includes an open‑plan living‑dining space, which can make a 900 sq ft unit feel more spacious than a cramped 800 sq ft with a closed‑off kitchen.

If you need extra room for kids or guests, look at 3BHK or larger units. These start around 1,200 sq ft and go up to 2,000 sq ft. Keep in mind that each additional bedroom adds roughly 150‑200 sq ft, plus extra hall space.

Budget is another factor. Larger units mean higher maintenance fees, property tax, and utility bills. A practical tip: calculate the cost per square foot. Divide the total price or rent by the usable area. If the cost per sq ft is significantly higher than similar units nearby, you might be overpaying for size.

Finally, think about how you’ll use the space. Do you need a dedicated work area? Do you love cooking and need a bigger kitchen? Visualize your daily routine and match it with the layout. A well‑chosen size can improve comfort and save money in the long run.

By measuring accurately, understanding common layout sizes, and checking the cost per square foot, you can pick an apartment that feels just right – not too big, not too small, but perfectly suited to your life.