What is a Type C Apartment? Understanding 2BHK Layouts and What They Really Offer

When you’re looking at apartment listings in Auckland or anywhere else in New Zealand, you’ll see terms like Type A, Type B, and Type C apartments. If you’ve ever wondered what a Type C apartment actually means - especially in the context of a 2BHK - you’re not alone. These labels aren’t standardized nationwide. They’re used by developers and real estate agents to quickly describe floor plans, but they can mean very different things depending on the building or developer. So what does Type C really tell you? And why does it matter when you’re choosing a home?

What Does Type C Mean in a 2BHK Apartment?

In most New Zealand developments, especially in Auckland and Wellington, a Type C apartment refers to a specific layout within a 2BHK (two bedrooms, one hall, one kitchen) unit. It’s not about size alone - it’s about how the rooms are arranged and how the space flows.

A typical Type C 2BHK apartment has:

• Two bedrooms - one usually larger, often used as the master
• A combined living and dining area
• A separate kitchen
• A single bathroom
• One balcony or small outdoor space

The key difference between Type C and other types - like Type A or Type B - is the positioning of the bedrooms. In a Type C layout, both bedrooms are typically located on one side of the apartment, with the living area and kitchen on the opposite side. This creates a clear separation between private and public zones. It’s designed for privacy: if you have a roommate, partner, or guest staying over, they won’t walk through your bedroom to get to the bathroom or kitchen.

Why This Layout Matters for Real Life

Think about your daily routine. If you work from home, you might want to close a door and not hear someone else watching TV. If you have kids, you might want them to be close to the bathroom but not right next to the living room. The Type C layout handles these needs better than some alternatives.

Compare it to a Type A layout, where one bedroom is right off the living room. That means whoever’s in the living room can hear everything happening in that bedroom - not ideal for sleep or privacy. Type B might have the bedrooms across from each other, with the bathroom in the middle, forcing you to walk through the bathroom to get from one bedroom to the other.

Type C avoids those issues. It’s the layout you’d pick if you value quiet, separation, and a sense of personal space - even in a small unit. That’s why it’s popular among young professionals, couples, and even small families renting or buying in urban areas.

Size and Square Meters: What to Expect

Type C apartments aren’t huge. In Auckland, most fall between 60 and 80 square meters. That’s enough for two people to live comfortably, but not spacious enough for large gatherings. The kitchen is usually compact - often L-shaped or galley-style - and the living area might fit a three-seater sofa and a TV unit, but not much more.

The bedrooms are typically around 10 to 12 square meters each. One might be slightly larger, with enough room for a double bed, a wardrobe, and a small bedside table. The second bedroom is often just big enough for a single bed and a wardrobe - perfect as a home office, guest room, or kids’ room.

Don’t expect walk-in closets or ensuite bathrooms. Those features are usually found in larger, more expensive units labeled as Type D or premium models. Type C is about efficiency: maximizing usable space without wasting square meters on hallways or oversized rooms.

How Type C Compares to Other Apartment Types

Here’s how Type C stacks up against common layouts you’ll see on listings:

Comparison of Common 2BHK Apartment Types

Type	Bedroom Layout	Living Area	Privacy Level	Best For
Type A	One bedroom off living room	Open-plan	Low	Single occupants, budget buyers
Type B	Bedrooms opposite each other, bathroom in middle	Open-plan	Medium	Couples who don’t mind shared bathroom access
Type C	Both bedrooms on one side, living area opposite	Separate from bedrooms	High	Professionals, couples, small families
Type D	Master bedroom with ensuite, second bedroom separate	Larger, sometimes with dining nook	Very High	Buyers seeking luxury or long-term living

Type C hits a sweet spot: it’s more private than Type A or B, but cheaper and smaller than Type D. That’s why it’s the most common 2BHK layout in mid-range developments - especially in new builds around New Lynn, Mount Roskill, and Onehunga.

What You Won’t Find in a Type C Apartment

It’s just as important to know what Type C doesn’t include. Don’t expect:

• An ensuite bathroom - the main bathroom is shared
• A walk-in wardrobe - storage is usually built-in cupboards
• A dedicated dining room - meals are eaten in the living area or kitchen
• Large balconies - often just enough for two chairs and a small plant
• High-end finishes - laminate flooring, basic cabinetry, standard appliances

If you’re looking for granite countertops, smart home systems, or a second bathroom, you’ll need to look at Type D or premium units - and pay 20-30% more. Type C is designed for functionality, not luxury.

Who Should Buy or Rent a Type C Apartment?

This layout works best for people who:

• Don’t need a lot of space but want privacy
• Work from home occasionally and need a quiet bedroom
• Are buying their first home and want to stay within budget
• Plan to live in the unit for 3-7 years before upgrading
• Prefer low-maintenance living without the noise of open-plan layouts

It’s less ideal if you:

• Host frequent guests who need their own space
• Have young children who need a play area beyond the living room
• Want to renovate and add a second bathroom
• Need a large kitchen for serious cooking or entertaining

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a two-bedroom home, Type C is one of the smartest choices you can make in today’s market.

Market Trends in Auckland: Why Type C Is Popular Right Now

As of 2025, Type C apartments make up nearly 40% of all 2BHK listings in Auckland’s inner suburbs. Why? Because developers know what buyers want now: affordability without sacrificing privacy.

The government’s push for medium-density housing has led to more apartment complexes being built on former residential land. These developments often use standardized floor plans to cut costs. Type C is the most efficient 2BHK design - it uses less material, fits more units per floor, and reduces construction time.

Also, interest rates are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Buyers are choosing smaller, smarter homes. A Type C apartment at $650,000 is far more accessible than a Type D at $850,000. And for renters, monthly rent for a Type C is often $50-$100 less than a Type B with similar square footage.

What to Look for When Viewing a Type C Apartment

Not all Type C apartments are created equal. Some developers cut corners. Here’s what to check during a viewing:

1. Window placement - Do both bedrooms have natural light? Or is one dark and windowless?
2. Storage - Are there built-in wardrobes in both bedrooms? Or are you expected to buy your own?
3. Insulation - Ask for the R-value of the walls and ceiling. Older Type C units often have poor insulation.
4. Soundproofing - Tap on the walls. Do you hear the neighbor’s TV? Walk around the apartment during quiet hours.
5. Balcony access - Is it accessible from the living room or from one of the bedrooms? The former is better for safety and convenience.

Also, check the body corporate fees. Some complexes charge extra for water, waste, or building insurance. In Type C apartments, these fees can range from $600 to $1,200 per year - make sure they’re included in your budget.

Final Thoughts: Is a Type C Apartment Right for You?

A Type C apartment isn’t glamorous. It won’t win design awards. But it’s practical, affordable, and quietly effective. If you’re looking for a home that gives you two bedrooms, decent privacy, and a manageable price tag - this layout delivers.

In a market where space is shrinking and prices are rising, Type C apartments represent a smart compromise. They’re not the biggest, but they’re among the most thoughtfully designed 2BHK units available today. For first-time buyers, young professionals, or anyone tired of paying for unused space, they’re a real winner.