Sydney Apartment Sizes: What You Really Need to Know Before Renting or Buying

When you hear Sydney apartment sizes, the typical square footage and layout types used in Australia’s largest city. Also known as apartment dimensions, these numbers directly affect your daily comfort, rent, and long-term value. It’s not just about how many bedrooms you get—it’s about how much space you actually live in. A 600 sqft F1 apartment in Surry Hills feels totally different than a 750 sqft 2BHK in Parramatta, even if both are labeled as ‘one bedroom.’

Most people assume a 2BHK means two full bedrooms, but in Sydney, that’s often misleading. Many 2BHK units have a tiny second room—barely big enough for a bed or a desk—that’s really a study or storage nook. Meanwhile, an F1 apartment, common in inner-city areas, gives you one proper bedroom plus a separate living area, which many singles and couples actually prefer over a cramped 2BHK. The key difference? F1 apartment, a one-bedroom unit with a clearly defined living space, not just a combined lounge-kitchen area versus a studio or open-plan unit. And if you’re working from home, that separation matters more than you think.

Then there’s the square footage myth. A 700 sqft apartment in Sydney isn’t small—it’s average. But if you’re coming from the US or Europe, you might think it’s tiny. The truth? Sydney’s market is built for efficiency. A 550 sqft studio can work for one person if the layout is smart. A 800 sqft unit? That’s where you start breathing again—enough room for a proper dining area, a decent-sized bedroom, and space for guests without feeling crowded. You’ll find these sizes repeat across listings because developers know what sells: compact but functional.

What you don’t see on the listing? Storage. Ceiling height. Natural light. A 700 sqft apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and built-in wardrobes feels bigger than a 900 sqft box with poor layout. That’s why some people pay more for a smaller unit—they’re paying for smart design, not just square footage. And if you’re renting, ask about the actual usable space. Some landlords count balcony or storage areas in the total, which inflates the number but doesn’t help you live in it.

For investors, Sydney apartment sizes tell you who the tenant will be. A 500–600 sqft F1 unit? Likely a young professional or student. An 800+ sqft 2BHK? Probably a couple or a remote worker needing a home office. The right size attracts the right renter—and keeps vacancies low.

You’ll find posts below that break down real-life experiences: what works in 800 sqft for two people, why F1 apartments are beating 2BHKs in popularity, and how compact living in Sydney isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about design. No fluff. Just what people actually live with.