Picture this: Two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom—all squeezed into 700 square feet. Is that too tight? Or is it just right for what you need? This question pops up for a lot of people eyeing a 2BHK, especially in crowded cities where space comes at a premium.
Before you judge the size, it helps to put things in perspective. The average new apartment in India today sits somewhere between 800 and 1,000 sq ft for a 2BHK. But city apartments can drop much lower. In places like Mumbai or Bangalore, walking into a 700 sq ft 2BHK is actually quite normal—and for some, even feels comfortable.
So, what does 700 sq ft really mean for daily living? For singles, couples, or small families, it can work if you keep things simple and smart. No, you probably can't host a dance party, but you can design a cozy, functional home. And let's be real: plenty of us are tired of cleaning unused corners and paying high rent for space we barely use.
- How Big Is 700 Sq Ft for a 2BHK?
- Comparing With Typical Apartment Sizes
- Who Thrives in 700 Sq Ft?
- Smart Ways to Use the Space
- Is 700 Sq Ft Right for You?
How Big Is 700 Sq Ft for a 2BHK?
When people hear “700 sq ft,” it’s hard to picture what that actually looks like, especially when you’re talking about carving two bedrooms, a hall, and a kitchen into that space. You might be wondering, will I feel boxed in, or is it surprisingly livable?
Let’s break it down. In most Indian cities, a 2BHK (two bedrooms, hall, and kitchen) in 700 sq ft usually means:
- Bedrooms: Each bedroom is about 90–110 sq ft
- Living/Dining Area: 120–150 sq ft
- Kitchen: Roughly 45–65 sq ft
- Bathrooms: Usually two, each about 30–40 sq ft
So, you’re looking at compact rooms, with just enough space for a double bed or basic living furniture, but not much extra. Developers sometimes get creative by combining dining and living areas, and some might trim down balconies to squeeze in essentials.
Here’s a quick look at how the numbers stack up compared to larger flats:
| Apartment Type | Typical Carpet Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|
| 2BHK - Small (like yours) | 650–750 |
| 2BHK - Mid range | 800–1,000 |
| 2BHK - Large/Spacious | 1,100–1,400 |
Space works out if you plan for it. Think of homes in big cities like Tokyo or Hong Kong—families live in even smaller areas! A lot depends on your lifestyle, furniture choices, and if you’ve got stuff lying around or if you keep things minimal.
“A well-designed 700 sq ft apartment can be surprisingly functional for a nuclear family,” says real estate expert Anshul Jain from Cushman & Wakefield. “If every inch is put to use smartly, it won't feel cramped.”
The magic word is layout. Some 700 sq ft apartments feel open, while others feel packed. Pay attention to floor plans—a little clever design goes a long way, whether it’s open shelves, sliding doors, or folding tables.
So is a 700 sq ft apartment small? For some, yes, but it’s not unlivable if you know what you want out of your space—and how to make it work for you.
Comparing With Typical Apartment Sizes
Looking at a 700 sq ft apartment might have you wondering what everyone else is getting for their money. The truth is, apartment sizes in India are all over the place depending on city, location, and building age. It's not one-size-fits-all, but there are some clear averages you can compare with.
Here's a quick side-by-side of what the numbers look like:
| Apartment Type | Typical Size (sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1BHK (Metro) | 400-600 | Cozy, usually for singles/couples |
| 2BHK (Metro) | 650-900 | Most common range for city living |
| 2BHK (Non-Metro) | 900-1100 | Space is less of an issue outside big cities |
| 3BHK (Metro) | 1000-1400 | For bigger families, comes at a premium |
Now, in metro areas like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, it's not unusual to see 2BHKs shrink to 600-750 sq ft—developers have to work with sky-high land prices and limited space. In mid-tier cities (Pune, Ahmedabad), you might get more elbow room for the same price.
Globally, you'll notice that India's apartments are generally more compact compared to places like the US or Australia, where a typical two-bedroom apartment can be 1,000-1,200 sq ft easily. But here, efficient use of every corner matters way more. A 700 sq ft place in Mumbai can cost as much—or more—than double the space in a suburb.
So when you tour or imagine a 700 sq ft 2BHK, know that you're not out of the norm for big Indian cities. Actually, you’re right in the zone where most young families and couples settle in urban India. If you know what to expect, it’s less of a surprise and more a matter of how you use what you’ve got.
Who Thrives in 700 Sq Ft?
Not everyone gets excited about the idea of a 700 sq ft apartment. But for plenty of people, it fits just right. Singles, couples, and even small families have found ways to actually enjoy living in this much space. In fact, in busy cities like Mumbai, about 30% of apartment buyers pick places under 750 sq ft, according to a 2024 market survey by Knight Frank.
So who actually feels at home in a 700 sq ft 2BHK?
- Young professionals: If most of your time is spent at work or exploring the city, you’re not looking to upgrade your square footage. All you want is a comfortable bed, a good shower, and a place to chill after office hours. 2BHK gives you a spare room to use as a work space or even a mini gym.
- Couples just starting out: You only need so much space. Why pay extra for what you won’t use? Sharing a 2BHK means each person can get a bit of privacy too.
- Small families: Some parents with one young kid manage fine. Kids don't need a ton of floor space (at least until they turn into teenagers), and having an extra room for work or a home office is a big plus.
- People who want to live easy: Maybe you’re tired of cleaning or maintaining a bigger flat. Or you want to save money on rent and channel it toward travel or hobbies.
A quick look at who is usually happiest in 700 sq ft apartments:
| Profile | Number of People | Main Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Single Professional | 1 | Low maintenance, private workspace |
| Young Couple | 2 | Budget living, cozy, some privacy |
| Small Family with 1 Child | 3 | Separate room for child/office |
Of course, there is a catch. If you like to entertain crowds, collect big furniture, or need a ton of storage, you’ll probably feel cramped. But for those who want low bills, easier cleaning, and less clutter, 700 sq ft can feel just right.
Smart Ways to Use the Space
If you've got a 700 sq ft apartment, squeezing every bit of usefulness out of your layout matters. A few smart tricks turn what seems like a tight squeeze into a surprisingly functional home. You don’t need to spend a fortune or call in a designer either—simple moves make a big difference.
The golden rule? Go for stuff that does double (or triple) duty. Think storage beds, folding furniture, or a kitchen table that flips out from the wall. Here are some game-changers:
- Use vertical space: Add tall shelves, hanging racks, or lofted storage. Even hooks behind doors buy you a few extra inches.
- Choose multi-purpose furniture: A sofa-cum-bed, ottomans with storage, or a dining table that folds are absolute lifesavers in a small home.
- Declutter with intention: Don’t keep stuff "just in case." Stick to what you use and love. The less mess around, the bigger your space feels.
- Glass and mirrors: Mirrors bounce light, and see-through tables or shelves don’t visually cut up the room, making things look more open.
- Zone your rooms: Use rugs or open shelving as dividers instead of big, chunky furniture. It makes the same area do double duty (think: home office that melts into a guest spot).
Curious about how much you can actually fit into a 700 sq ft apartment without feeling cramped? Check out this rough breakdown to picture what fits where:
| Space | Typical Allocation (sq ft) | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Living Area | 150-180 | Use wall-mounted TV and nesting tables |
| Bedroom 1 | 110-130 | Opt for storage beds; float shelves instead of bulky nightstands |
| Bedroom 2 | 90-110 | A desk against the wall can double as a study nook |
| Kitchen | 80-100 | Vertical shelves and foldable counters help maximize prep space |
| Bathroom | 40-60 | Use organizers and wall-mounted racks |
A 2023 survey by Urban Ladder found that 8 out of 10 residents in apartments under 750 sq ft were happier with open layouts, and modular furniture was the top upgrade choice. Open shelves, mobile carts, and ceiling racks (think kitchen or closet) are loved for making life easier without crowding the floor.
Last tip: Keep windows clear whenever possible. Natural light is free, makes every room feel instantly bigger, and helps you fight off that boxy feeling that’s so common in city apartments.
Is 700 Sq Ft Right for You?
This is where you have to get honest about your lifestyle. A 700 sq ft apartment can really work for some people, but it depends on what you want out of your space and who’s living there. Ask yourself: How much stuff do I own? Do I actually need a separate workspace or a ton of storage? Am I comfortable sharing close quarters if I’m not living alone?
Here’s a quick look at typical who’s-who for this size of 2BHK:
- Young couples: Usually fine, especially if both work outside or travel a lot.
- Small families (with one child): Manageable, but you’ll have to be organized and maybe a bit ruthless when it comes to clutter.
- Roommates: Works well if you don’t mind a compact common area and everyone gets their own bedroom.
- Work-from-home folks: Only works if you can carve out a dedicated nook—sprawling work setups might feel cramped fast.
Still wondering? Here’s an at-a-glance table comparing 2BHK apartment sizes and what it usually feels like:
| Size (Sq Ft) | Where You'll Find It | Suits Best | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 - 750 | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru (Central Areas) | Singles, Couples | Cozy, Tight Storage |
| 750 - 900 | Suburban/Mid-Tier Cities | Small Families | Balanced |
| 900 - 1100 | New Developments, Outskirts | Families with Kids | Spacious, Extra Storage |
If you find yourself struggling with piles of stuff, always feeling squeezed, or hosting frequent guests, you might feel boxed-in in a 700 sq ft apartment. But if you value easy maintenance, lower rent, and only want essentials around you, this space could actually be a relief—fewer rooms to clean and less to organize. Some people love the feeling of having just enough and nothing extra. If you’re moving from a bigger place, expect an adjustment period; it can feel weird at first, but lots of folks enjoy the switch after they get the hang of it.
Main takeaway? A 700 sq ft 2BHK can be just right. But only if your lifestyle matches the space. Ask yourself honestly—what kind of home do you really need?
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