550sqft Apartment Size: Is It Big Enough?

• Vishal Dhanraj
• 14 Oct, 2025
• 0 Comments

When you hear 550 square feet apartment, the first thought is usually "cozy" or "tight". But how does that footprint actually feel once you walk inside? Let’s break down what 550sqft means for a typical 2BHK layout, compare it with other common sizes, and give you practical tips to make the most of every corner.

550 square feet apartment is a residential unit that measures roughly 51 square meters of usable floor area. It usually includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, though the exact configuration can vary by building code and developer design.

Key Takeaways

• 550sqft falls on the smaller side for a 2BHK, but intelligent layout can make it feel spacious.
• Typical 2BHK sizes in Melbourne range from 550sqft to 850sqft.
• Prioritize multifunctional furniture, built‑in storage, and open‑plan concepts.
• Consider ceiling height and natural light - they amplify perceived space.
• When renting or buying, compare floor plans, not just square footage.

Understanding 550sqft in Context

In the Australian market, square footage is often reported in square meters, so 550sqft equals about 51m². For a 2BHK, that translates to roughly:

• Living room: 120-150sqft (11-14m²)
• Each bedroom: 80-100sqft (7-9m²)
• Kitchen + bathroom: 100-120sqft (9-11m²)

These numbers are averages; actual layouts can shift space between rooms. A compact kitchen might share a wall with the living area, creating a seamless flow that feels larger.

How 550sqft Stacks Up Against Other Apartment Types

Typical Australian Apartment Sizes (sqft)

Apartment Type	Typical Size Range	Ideal For	Pros	Cons
Studio	350-500	Singles, minimalists	Low rent, easy to maintain	Limited privacy, storage challenges
2BHK (compact)	550-750	Couples, small families	Separate bedrooms, reasonable rent	Can feel cramped if poorly designed
2BHK (spacious)	750-900	Growing families, home‑office users	More room for storage & work zones	Higher rent or purchase price
3BHK	900-1,200	Larger families, shared living	Ample bedrooms, flexible layouts	Significant cost increase

Design Tricks That Make 550sqft Feel Bigger

Space perception isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how you use them. Here are proven strategies:

1. Open‑plan living: Remove non‑essential walls between the living room and kitchen. A shared space lets light travel further.
2. Vertical storage: Floor‑to‑ceiling wardrobes, tall bookshelves, and hanging racks free up floor area.
3. Multipurpose furniture: A sofa bed, a fold‑out dining table, or a bed with built‑in drawers reduces the need for separate pieces.
4. Light colors and mirrors: Pale walls, glossy tiles, and strategically placed mirrors bounce light, creating an illusion of depth.
5. Clear pathways: Keep traffic routes under 3ft wide; avoid cluttering corners with decorative items.

In Melbourne, many newer developments incorporate these ideas in their 2BHK units, especially those targeting young professionals.

Real‑World Examples From Melbourne

Below are three recent listings in the CBD and inner suburbs that illustrate how 550sqft can vary:

• Collins Street Tower - Unit 12B: 550sqft, open‑plan layout, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, built‑in wardrobe in the master bedroom.
• Fitzroy Gardens Residence - Unit 5A: 580sqft, compact kitchen island, pocket door for the second bedroom, balcony that adds perceived space.
• Southbank Lofts - Unit 8C: 620sqft, high ceiling (3.2m), open kitchen/bar, sliding wall panels that turn the living room into a work‑area.

All three meet the 2BHK criteria, yet the floor plan and design choices make a palpable difference in day‑to‑day comfort.

When to Choose a Larger Unit

If you regularly work from home, need a dedicated home office, or have children who need separate play spaces, a larger 2BHK (750sqft+) will save you frustration. The extra 150-200sqft can accommodate a small study nook without sacrificing bedroom size.

Conversely, if you’re a couple without many belongings and love a minimalist lifestyle, a 550sqft unit can be financially smarter-lower rent or mortgage, reduced utility bills, and less cleaning time.

Cost Implications in 2025

According to the latest Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) quarterly report, the average rent for a 550sqft 2BHK in Melbourne’s inner suburbs sits aroundAU$1,650 per week, while a 750sqft unit averages AU$2,050. The price gap narrows when you factor in utilities: smaller units typically consume 15‑20% less electricity and water.

For buyers, the median price per square meter for a 2BHK in 2025 is AU$9,800. That makes a 550sqft purchase roughly AU$500,000, compared with about AU$660,000 for a 750sqft unit. Your budget and long‑term plans will guide the right choice.

Checklist: Is 550sqft Right for You?

• Do you need two separate bedrooms?
• Will you frequently have guests staying overnight?
• Is an open‑plan layout a must‑have?
• Can you live with limited storage and rely on vertical solutions?
• Are you comfortable with a slightly higher rent‑to‑space ratio for location advantages?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, a 550sqft 2BHK can be a smart, comfortable option.

• 550 square feet apartment
• apartment size
• 2BHK apartment
• small apartment living
• apartment space