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Find Your Ideal Apartment Size
Based on 2025 research: 40-60 sqm (430-650 sq ft) is the optimal range
Space Analysis
Living alone doesn’t mean you need a huge space. In fact, too much room can cost you more in rent, utilities, and cleaning time. The real question isn’t how big your apartment should be - it’s how well it works for your life. For a single person in 2025, the sweet spot is between 40 and 60 square meters. That’s about 430 to 650 square feet - enough to breathe, but not so much that you’re paying for empty space.
Why 40-60 square meters is the goldilocks zone
Think about your daily rhythm. You wake up, make coffee, work from home or head out, come back, cook something simple, watch a show, sleep. That’s it. You don’t need a separate dining room if you eat at the kitchen counter. You don’t need a walk-in closet if you own 30 outfits, not 300. A 45-square-meter studio or one-bedroom apartment gives you room for all that - plus a little extra for guests, a home gym, or a reading nook.
In Sydney, where rent is high and space is tight, most new builds for singles are designed around this range. Developers know that a 30-square-meter studio feels cramped after six months. A 70-square-meter two-bedroom feels like a waste when you’re the only one living there. The 40-60 range hits the balance: functional, affordable, and sustainable.
Studio vs. one-bedroom: what’s the real difference?
Many people assume a one-bedroom is always better than a studio. But that’s not true. A studio is one open space with a sleeping area tucked into a corner - often separated by a half-wall, curtain, or furniture. A one-bedroom has a closed door. Sounds better, right? Not always.
Here’s the catch: a one-bedroom apartment that’s 50 square meters total might have a tiny bedroom - say, 10 square meters - and a living area of just 35. That leaves 5 square meters for the kitchen and bathroom. You’re still squeezed. Meanwhile, a 55-square-meter studio can have a dedicated sleeping zone with enough floor space to move around, a proper kitchen, and room for a small sofa and a desk.
Studies from the University of Sydney’s Urban Planning Lab in 2024 found that people living in 50-55 square meter studios reported higher satisfaction than those in 60-70 square meter one-bedrooms - not because they had more space, but because the layout was smarter. No wasted hallways. No unused rooms. Everything served a purpose.
What you actually need in a 40-60 sqm apartment
Let’s break it down. Here’s what works:
- Living area (15-20 sqm): Enough for a sofa, a coffee table, a small TV, and a side chair. You can fit a fold-out dining table here too.
- Kitchen (6-8 sqm): A compact kitchen with a 60cm fridge, two-burner stove, and under-sink storage is plenty. A microwave and toaster are your best friends.
- Bed zone (8-10 sqm): A queen bed fits easily. You don’t need a nightstand on both sides - one is enough. Use wall shelves or a headboard with storage.
- Bathroom (4-5 sqm): A shower over a bathtub saves space. A wall-mounted sink and toilet make it feel bigger.
- Storage (5-8 sqm): Built-in wardrobes are non-negotiable. Avoid freestanding dressers - they eat up floor space.
That’s 38-41 square meters accounted for. The rest? That’s your flexibility. A small balcony, a niche for a plant, or even a tiny home office corner. You’re not just buying space - you’re buying function.
What to avoid at all costs
Don’t fall for the “bigger is better” trap. Here are three common mistakes people make:
- Choosing a 70+ sqm two-bedroom just because it’s “nice.” You’re paying $400-$600 extra per month for a room you never use. That’s $5,000-$7,000 a year - enough to cover a year of gym membership, travel, or savings.
- Buying furniture that doesn’t scale. A full-size dining table for four? You’ll never use it. A 1.2-meter foldable table that tucks under the counter? That’s the move.
- Ignoring natural light and ventilation. A 50-square-meter apartment with no windows in the bedroom or poor airflow feels smaller than a 40-square-meter one with big windows and cross-breezes. Light makes space feel bigger than square footage ever could.
One person I know moved from a 72-square-meter two-bedroom to a 52-square-meter studio in Surry Hills. Her rent dropped by $450 a month. She started saving $5,000 a year. She says: “I didn’t lose space. I gained freedom.”
How to spot a well-designed small apartment
Not all small apartments are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Open-plan layout: No walls blocking sightlines. The kitchen flows into the living area.
- High ceilings (2.7m+): Makes the space feel taller and less boxy.
- Smart storage: Under-bed drawers, wall-mounted shelves, built-in cabinets. Avoid closets with wasted depth.
- Quality finishes: Matte finishes on walls reduce glare. Light-colored floors reflect light. Avoid dark, heavy furniture.
- Good insulation and soundproofing: Especially important if you live above a restaurant or next to a busy street.
Look for apartments with “flex zones” - areas that can double as a workspace, reading corner, or guest area. Some new builds in Melbourne and Sydney now include fold-down desks, hidden Murphy beds, or convertible sofas. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re solutions.
What if you work from home?
If you need a dedicated workspace, you don’t need a whole room. A 1.5m x 1m desk tucked into a corner with good lighting and a noise-canceling headset works. Use a bookshelf as a room divider. Hang a whiteboard on the wall. Keep cables tidy. You’re not building an office - you’re building a focus zone.
People who work from home in small apartments often say the biggest win isn’t the size - it’s the lack of commute. One person in Newtown told me: “I used to spend 45 minutes each way on the train. Now I get up, walk to my desk, and start working. I’ve gained 15 hours a month. That’s more than a whole extra day.”
Final thought: It’s not about size. It’s about alignment.
The best apartment size for one person isn’t a number on a floor plan. It’s the space that matches your habits, your budget, and your peace of mind. A 40-square-meter studio can feel luxurious if it’s bright, quiet, and well-organized. A 70-square-meter two-bedroom can feel like a prison if you’re stuck paying for unused space.
Ask yourself: What do I actually use every day? What do I only use once a year? If you’re not using it regularly, you don’t need it. You’re not renting a trophy. You’re renting a place to live.
Focus on function. Prioritize light. Choose smart storage. Avoid the trap of “more.” The right apartment for one person isn’t the biggest one. It’s the one that lets you live without stress.
Is a studio apartment too small for one person?
No, a studio isn’t too small if it’s well-designed. Many people thrive in studios between 40 and 55 square meters. The key is smart layout - open space, good storage, and natural light. A studio with a dedicated sleeping nook, compact kitchen, and wall-mounted desk can be more livable than a cluttered one-bedroom.
What’s the minimum apartment size for one person?
The practical minimum is around 35 square meters. Below that, storage and movement become tight. In Sydney, apartments under 30 square meters are often classified as “micro-units” and may lack proper ventilation, kitchen space, or legal compliance. Stick to 35+ square meters unless you’re okay with extreme minimalism and no guests.
Should I rent a one-bedroom instead of a studio?
Only if you need a closed door for privacy - like for sleeping, working, or hosting overnight guests. But don’t assume a one-bedroom is better. Many one-bedrooms are just studios with a door slapped on. Check the actual usable space. A 50-square-meter studio is often more functional than a 55-square-meter one-bedroom with a tiny bedroom.
Can I fit a home gym in a small apartment?
Yes, easily. A 2m x 2m area is enough for a yoga mat, dumbbells, a resistance band, and a foldable bench. Use vertical storage for weights. Many people use their balcony or a corner near the window. You don’t need a dedicated room - just a clear space and consistency.
Is it worth paying more for a larger apartment if I’m alone?
Rarely. In Sydney, going from 50 to 70 square meters can increase rent by 30-50%. That extra cost rarely translates to better quality of life. You’ll spend more on cleaning, heating, and electricity. The money saved on rent can go toward experiences - travel, dining, hobbies - that actually enrich your life.
Next steps: How to find your perfect fit
Start by listing your non-negotiables: Do you need a dishwasher? A balcony? A separate shower? Then set a budget. Look for apartments between 40 and 60 square meters. Visit at different times of day - morning light, evening quiet. Ask about insulation and noise levels. Don’t rush. The right apartment doesn’t feel big - it feels right.
