Is a 700sqft Apartment Too Small for Two People?

Quick Takeaways

• A 700sqft unit can comfortably house two adults if you plan the layout wisely.
• Key factors are storage, furniture scale, and open‑plan design.
• Average rent for 700sqft in UK cities is about £1,200/month, but it varies widely.
• Pros include lower utility bills and easier cleaning; cons are limited guest space and reduced privacy.
• Consider your lifestyle, work‑from‑home needs, and future plans before signing a lease.

When you see a listing that reads “700sqft apartment,” the first reaction is often, “Is that enough for two of us?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no - it depends on how you use the space, what you prioritize, and where the flat sits in the market. This guide walks you through the numbers, layout tricks, cost factors, and real‑world scenarios so you can decide if 700sqft feels snug or surprisingly roomy for your partnership.

700sqft apartment is a living space measuring 700 square feet, typically offering a bedroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. In the UK, that size falls into the “medium‑small” bracket for two‑bedroom flats, sitting between studio‑style micro‑units (under 500sqft) and larger three‑bedroom homes (over 900sqft).

How Much Space Do Two People Usually Need?

Research from the UK Office for National Statistics shows the average household size is 2.4 occupants. For a couple without children, the typical floor‑area requirement hovers around 550-650sqft for a comfortable fit. Anything below 500sqft often feels cramped, especially if you work from home or own several pieces of furniture.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Lifestyle plays a huge role. If you’re avid cooks, you’ll want a larger kitchen. If you love entertaining, a spacious living room matters. If you spend most of your day outside the home, you can tolerate a smaller bedroom.

Below is a quick snapshot of common space allocations for two adults:

• Bedroom: 120-150sqft
• Living/Dining area: 200-250sqft
• Kitchen: 80-120sqft
• Bathroom: 40-60sqft
• Storage/Closets: 30-50sqft

If you add those up, you land around 570-630sqft - leaving roughly 70-130sqft for circulation (hallways) and extra comforts. That margin is exactly what a 700sqft layout can provide.

Design Strategies That Make 700sqft Feel Bigger

Design is the secret sauce that turns a modest floor plan into a livable home. Below are proven tactics that real‑estate professionals and interior designers use to stretch space.

Open floor plan

Removing unnecessary walls and opting for a combined living‑kitchen area creates a visual flow that expands the eye’s perception. A single, well‑placed rug can define zones without adding barriers.

Multifunctional furniture

Think sofa beds, collapsible dining tables, and storage ottomans. A sofa with a hidden compartment can replace a separate chest of drawers, freeing up floor space.

Vertical storage

Floor‑to‑ceiling shelves, hanging racks, and tall wardrobes make use of the vertical plane that many renters overlook. A high‑mounted bike rack or wall‑mounted coat hooks keep the floor clear.

Light colors and mirrors

Light‑colored walls, white ceilings, and strategically placed mirrors bounce natural light, a psychological trick that enlarges the space.

Cost Implications of a 700sqft Unit

Beyond comfort, rent and utility costs matter. According to recent market data from HomeLet, the average monthly rent for a 700sqft flat in London’s outer boroughs (e.g., Croydon, Lewisham) is £1,150, while central locations (e.g., Shoreditch, Camden) push the figure to £1,850.

Utility bills scale roughly with floor area. A 700sqft home typically consumes about 5,200kWh of electricity per year, translating to roughly £600 in annual energy costs, compared with £750 for a 900sqft unit. Heating costs also follow a similar pattern, saving you about £120-£150 each winter.

When you factor in cleaning time, a smaller space means less vacuuming, fewer laundry loads, and a quicker turnover between guests - all priceless for busy couples.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

When 700sqft Might Feel Too Small

Even with clever design, certain scenarios stretch the limits:

• Home office needs: If both partners require separate desks with monitors, you’ll need at least 120sqft of dedicated work area.
• Collectibles or hobby space: Gear, musical instruments, or art supplies can quickly consume storage capacity.
• Frequent guests: If you host friends weekly, a sofa‑bed might not cut it.
• Future planning: Couples planning for a child within a few years may outgrow the layout.

If any of these apply, consider a slightly larger unit (750‑850sqft) or explore loft‑style apartments that offer higher ceilings and mezzanine bedrooms.

Practical Checklist Before Signing a Lease

• Measure every room - confirm the advertised square footage matches the floor plan.
• Check ceiling height; higher ceilings add perceived space.
• Inspect closet depth - 24inches is the minimum for hanging clothes.
• Ask about built‑in storage - shelves, pantry space, and laundry hookups.
• Visit during daylight; note natural light that can brighten a small unit.
• Test the kitchen layout - ensure there’s at least 60inches of countertop clearance.
• Confirm pet policy - larger pets may need extra room.

Bottom Line: Is 700sqft Small for Two People?

Short answer: It can be just right. Long answer: It hinges on your lifestyle, furniture choices, and willingness to embrace an open‑plan mindset. If you prioritize low rent, easy upkeep, and don’t need a dedicated guest room, a well‑designed 700sqft flat will feel comfortable. If you need separate work zones, expect frequent overnight visitors, or plan to expand your family soon, you might start eyeing a slightly larger space.

Take a weekend to sketch a floor plan, or use a free online tool like SketchUp Free. Visualizing where each piece fits can instantly show you whether the numbers work for your day‑to‑day life.

Frequently Asked Questions