What Is a T1 or T2 Apartment? Understanding Apartment Types in New Zealand
T1 vs T2 Apartment Comparison Tool
This tool helps you understand the key differences between T1 and T2 apartment types commonly used in New Zealand property listings. Check your next listing against these criteria to avoid misleading descriptions.
One main room combining living, sleeping, and kitchen areas
Two main rooms: one bedroom + one living room
Key Differences
| Feature | T1 Apartment | T2 Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Room Count | 1 main room | 2 main rooms |
| Bedrooms | 0 (combined space) | 1 |
| Living Area | Combined with bedroom | Separate room |
| Kitchen | Open kitchenette | Full kitchen |
| Typical Size | 35-50 m² | 50-70 m² |
| Weekly Rent | $450-$650 | $650-$900 |
| Best For | Students, single professionals | Couples, single parents |
Check Your Listing
Enter your apartment's details to verify if it's correctly labeled as T1 or T2
When you’re looking at apartment listings in Auckland or anywhere else in New Zealand, you might see ads for T1 or T2 apartments. If you’ve never heard these terms before, it’s easy to feel confused. Are they sizes? Floor levels? Luxury grades? The truth is, T1 and T2 are simple labels used across Europe and increasingly in New Zealand to describe how many main rooms an apartment has - not how big it is, but how many bedrooms and living spaces it includes.
What Does T1 Mean?
A T1 apartment is a one-room unit. That doesn’t mean it’s just a bedroom - it means the entire living space combines the bedroom, living area, and sometimes even the kitchen into one single room. You’ll usually find a separate bathroom and sometimes a small kitchenette tucked into a corner. Think of it like a studio apartment in the U.S. or a one-room flat in the UK.
These are common in cities like Auckland, especially near universities or transport hubs. A T1 might be 35 to 50 square meters - small, but efficient. People who live in T1s are often students, young professionals, or those looking for a low-maintenance base. They’re not for families. But if you’re living alone and want to keep rent low, a T1 can be a smart choice.
One thing to watch out for: some landlords call a one-bedroom apartment a T1 even if it has a separate kitchen. That’s not technically correct, but it happens. Always check the floor plan. A true T1 has no walls separating the living and sleeping areas.
What Does T2 Mean?
A T2 apartment has two main rooms: one bedroom and one living room. The kitchen is usually separate - either fully enclosed or in an open-plan area that doesn’t count as a main room. There’s also a bathroom and sometimes a small balcony or storage space.
This is the most popular apartment type for couples, single parents, or people who want a bit more space than a studio but don’t need a full three-bedroom home. In Auckland, you’ll find T2s in newer developments in Ponsonby, New Lynn, or Mt Roskill. They typically range from 50 to 70 square meters.
Unlike T1s, T2s offer real separation between sleeping and living areas. That makes a big difference if you work from home, have guests over, or just want to shut a door and relax without being on display. The kitchen might be a compact galley style, but it’s fully functional - fridge, stove, sink, and cupboard space included.
Why Do We Use T1 and T2 Instead of 1BHK or 2BHK?
You might be used to seeing 1BHK (Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen) or 2BHK in listings from India or Southeast Asia. New Zealand doesn’t use that system. Instead, we’ve picked up the French-based T-system (from pièce, meaning room) because it’s more precise.
Here’s the key difference: BHK counts the kitchen and hall as separate rooms. T-system only counts rooms that are enclosed and used for living or sleeping. So a T2 could have a kitchen, bathroom, and hallway - but only two rooms count toward the T rating.
For example, an apartment might have:
- One bedroom
- One open-plan living and dining area
- A separate kitchen
- One bathroom
This is a T2 - because only the bedroom and living area are counted. The kitchen and bathroom don’t add to the T number.
This system helps avoid misleading listings. A 2BHK in some countries might mean two bedrooms plus a shared hall and kitchen - but the hall could be tiny. A T2 tells you exactly what you’re getting: two rooms meant for living or sleeping.
T3, T4 - What Comes Next?
If you see a T3, that means three main rooms: usually two bedrooms and a living room. A T4 has four - often three bedrooms and a living room. These are rare in apartments but common in townhouses or small houses.
Most apartment buildings in Auckland only offer T1 and T2 units. T3s are usually found in larger developments like those in Wynyard Quarter or the waterfront areas, where space is more generous. Even then, a T3 apartment might still be smaller than a suburban house with three bedrooms.
Be careful: some developers market a T3 as a “three-bedroom apartment” when one of those rooms is actually a study or a den. That’s not a true bedroom - it might not have a window, or it might be too small to fit a bed. Always ask for the legal room classification.
How to Spot a Real T1 or T2
Not every listing is honest. Here’s how to check if the T label is accurate:
- Look for the floor plan - not just photos. A real T2 will show two clearly separated rooms.
- Check the room dimensions. A bedroom should be at least 8 square meters to be legally counted.
- Ask: “Is the second room a bedroom or a living room?” If the agent says “it’s a study,” that’s a red flag.
- Look at the building’s title deed or council records - they list the legal number of habitable rooms.
Some landlords inflate the T rating to charge more. A T1 with a tiny kitchenette might be listed as a “one-bedroom” to attract more interest. But if the bedroom and living area are combined, it’s still a T1.
What You Should Expect in a T1 or T2 in Auckland
Here’s what’s typical in 2026:
| Feature | T1 Apartment | T2 Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Size (m²) | 35-50 | 50-70 |
| Bedrooms | 0 (combined space) | 1 |
| Living Area | Combined with bedroom | Separate room |
| Kitchen | Open kitchenette or alcove | Full kitchen, enclosed or open |
| Bathroom | 1 | 1 |
| Storage | Small cupboard or under-bed | Wall cupboard or linen closet |
| Typical Rent (per week) | $450-$650 | $650-$900 |
Prices vary by location. A T1 in Onehunga might cost less than one in the CBD. A T2 in Mt Eden might come with a balcony and parking; one in Manukau might not. Always compare based on location, not just room count.
Is a T1 or T2 Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do you live alone? Then a T1 is practical and affordable.
- Are you a couple without kids? A T2 gives you space to breathe.
- Do you work from home? A T2 with a separate living room lets you shut the door and focus.
- Do you plan to have roommates? A T2 can work if one person takes the bedroom and the other uses the living area as a sleeping space - but check the lease. Many T2s forbid extra occupants.
Don’t fall for the myth that bigger is always better. Many people in Auckland live happily in T1s. They save money, spend less time cleaning, and enjoy being close to cafes, buses, and parks. The key is matching the space to your lifestyle - not your expectations.
What’s Next After T2?
If you’re thinking about moving up - maybe starting a family or needing a home office - then T3s and T4s exist, but they’re rare as apartments. Most families in Auckland end up buying a townhouse or a small house. The apartment market here is built for singles and couples. Don’t expect a T3 to feel like a suburban home.
If you’re buying, keep in mind that T1 and T2 apartments are the most liquid assets in Auckland’s rental and resale market. They’re easy to rent out and sell quickly. That makes them a smart investment if you’re not planning to live in them yourself.
Is a T1 apartment the same as a studio?
Yes, a T1 apartment is essentially the same as a studio apartment. Both have one main room that combines the living, sleeping, and sometimes kitchen area. The term T1 is more common in Europe and New Zealand, while studio is used in the U.S. and Australia. The layout and function are identical.
Can a T2 apartment have two bedrooms?
No, a T2 apartment has only one bedroom. The "T2" refers to two main rooms: one bedroom and one living room. If an apartment has two bedrooms, it’s a T3. Some listings may mislabel a room as a second bedroom when it’s actually a study or den - always check the floor plan and legal room classification.
Why doesn’t New Zealand use BHK like India does?
New Zealand uses the T-system because it’s more accurate. BHK counts the kitchen and hall as rooms, which can be misleading - a "hall" might be just a narrow corridor. The T-system only counts rooms used for sleeping or living, so a T2 always means one bedroom and one living room, regardless of kitchen size or hallway layout.
Are T1 apartments a good investment in Auckland?
Yes, T1 apartments are among the most popular rental properties in Auckland. They’re in high demand from students, young professionals, and solo workers. They rent out quickly, have lower maintenance costs, and tend to hold their value well in urban areas. They’re not ideal for long-term family living, but as an investment, they’re reliable.
Do T1 and T2 apartments come with parking?
Not always. Many older T1 and T2 apartments in Auckland don’t include parking. Newer developments in suburbs like New Lynn or Papakura often offer one car space per unit. If parking matters to you, always ask if it’s included - and if it’s undercover, assigned, or shared. In central Auckland, many residents rely on public transport, so parking isn’t always a priority.
Final Thoughts
T1 and T2 aren’t fancy terms - they’re practical tools to help you understand what you’re renting or buying. They cut through marketing fluff and tell you exactly how many rooms you’ll actually live in. Whether you’re a student, a new migrant, or someone downsizing, knowing the difference between a T1 and T2 helps you make smarter choices - without overpaying for space you don’t need.
Don’t let the labels confuse you. Look at the floor plan. Measure the rooms. Ask questions. And remember: in Auckland’s tight housing market, the right apartment isn’t the biggest one - it’s the one that fits your life.
