Is a 600 sq ft apartment small? Real-world size guide for 2BHK units

When you see a 600 sq ft apartment listed as a 2BHK, your first thought might be: how is that even possible? It sounds like a trick. Two bedrooms? A kitchen? A bathroom? All in less space than a typical garage? But in cities like Auckland, Singapore, or Tokyo, this isn’t a gimmick-it’s reality. And for a lot of people, it’s the only realistic option.

What does 600 sq ft actually look like?

Let’s break it down. A 600 sq ft apartment is about the size of a standard two-car garage. Or, if you’ve ever rented a storage unit, imagine one that’s slightly bigger than a 10x12 unit. Now, you’re supposed to fit a bedroom, a second bedroom (or home office), a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living area into that space. No closet? Probably. No walk-in pantry? Almost certainly. But it’s not as cramped as it sounds-if you design it right.

Most 600 sq ft 2BHK units in Auckland follow a smart layout: one bedroom is tucked away at the back, often used as a sleep space only. The second bedroom? It’s usually a flexible zone-sometimes called a “den” or “study.” Many people turn it into a home office, a gym, or even a guest room with a fold-out couch. The living area doubles as a dining space, and the kitchen is often open-plan, with a breakfast bar instead of a full table.

Real people live here. A nurse in Ponsonby shares a 600 sq ft 2BHK with her partner and her teenage daughter. The daughter sleeps in the smaller room with a single bed and a wall-mounted desk. The parents use the larger room as their bedroom, with a queen bed and a slim wardrobe. The kitchen has a microwave, a two-burner stove, and a mini-fridge. They eat at the counter. They watch TV on a wall-mounted screen. They don’t have a bathtub. They have a shower. And they pay $550 a week rent.

Why do 600 sq ft apartments even exist as 2BHK?

The label “2BHK” doesn’t mean both rooms are full-sized. It means there are two enclosed spaces that can legally be used as bedrooms. In New Zealand building codes, a room only needs to be 6.5 sq m (about 70 sq ft) to qualify as a bedroom. That’s smaller than a standard king-sized bed takes up. So yes, one of those “bedrooms” might be just big enough for a single bed and a nightstand. But it’s still a bedroom by law.

Developers use the 2BHK label because it increases appeal. A studio is easy to rent. A 1BHK is better. A 2BHK? That’s the sweet spot for couples, roommates, or young families who need flexibility. Even if one room is tiny, the *possibility* of two rooms makes the unit feel more valuable. It’s marketing, yes-but it’s also honest. The space is there. You just have to adjust your expectations.

Who actually thrives in a 600 sq ft 2BHK?

Not everyone. But some people thrive here. Here’s who:

• Young professionals who work long hours and spend most of their time out of the apartment.
• Students or interns who need a place to crash but aren’t planning to stay long-term.
• Empty nesters downsizing after their kids leave home-they don’t need five rooms anymore.
• Roommates splitting rent in a high-cost city. One person gets the larger room, the other gets the smaller one. Shared kitchen and bathroom. Works fine if you’re both tidy.
• Investors buying for rental income. These units rent faster and have lower vacancy rates than larger apartments in the same building.

People who hate clutter, love minimalism, or are used to living in tight spaces (like those who grew up in Asian cities) often find this layout comfortable. They don’t miss the extra space because they never had it to begin with.

What you give up

Let’s be real. You’re trading space for affordability. That means:

• No room for a full-size sofa. You’ll need a loveseat or a sectional that fits the corner.
• No dining table. You’ll eat at the counter, on your lap, or out at cafes.
• No storage for seasonal items. Winter coats? You’ll need a shed, a locker, or a friend’s garage.
• No space for guests to stay overnight unless you have a fold-out bed.
• No room for hobbies that take up space-painting, woodworking, or yoga with props.

And if you’re used to having a separate living room, kitchen, and dining area? You’ll miss that. You’ll feel like you’re always in the same room. But that’s the trade-off. You get a second bedroom. You get a location near the city center. You get lower rent. You get a chance to own or rent in a place where prices are sky-high.

How to make it work

Living small isn’t about having less. It’s about using what you have better.

• Use vertical space. Wall shelves, hanging racks, and tall bookcases free up floor space.
• Choose multi-functional furniture. A bed with drawers underneath. A fold-down desk. A coffee table that turns into a dining table.
• Go light on decor. Too many things make a small space feel smaller. Stick to a neutral palette and a few key pieces.
• Keep it clean. Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. A weekly purge keeps things feeling open.
• Use mirrors. They make rooms feel bigger. A full-length mirror on the back of a door? Game-changer.

One tenant in Mt Eden turned her 600 sq ft 2BHK into a cozy, Instagram-worthy space by using sliding barn doors to separate the bedrooms and installing LED strip lighting under shelves. She doesn’t have a dining table-but she has a folding one she pulls out when friends come over. She says, “I don’t feel cramped. I feel intentional.”

Is it right for you?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I spend more than 10 hours a day outside the apartment?
• Can I live without a big couch or a full kitchen?
• Am I okay with sharing a bathroom and kitchen space?
• Do I value location over square footage?
• Am I willing to be creative with storage and furniture?

If you answered yes to most of these, a 600 sq ft 2BHK could be perfect. If you need space to stretch out, to host big dinners, or to store your collection of vinyl records and books? Keep looking.

Final thought: It’s not about size. It’s about fit.

A 600 sq ft apartment isn’t small because it’s 600 sq ft. It’s small because you expect it to be a 1,200 sq ft apartment. But if you’re okay with a minimalist lifestyle, if you value proximity to work or public transport, and if you’re ready to rethink what “home” means-you might find that this space feels bigger than you thought.

People live in 400 sq ft apartments in Tokyo. They live in 500 sq ft units in London. In Auckland, 600 sq ft is still a win for many. It’s not the dream home. But for a lot of people, it’s the only home they can afford-and it’s more than enough.