Big can be beautiful, but so can small. When it comes to property, space almost always comes at a premium, especially in the bigger towns and cities. This is what makes studio apartments such an attractive option to those looking to make consistent monthly savings. What is a studio apartment? Our guide tells you everything you need to know.
FAQs
What is a studio apartment?
A studio apartment is an open living space made up of just one room and a small separate bathroom. There may be a short divider wall between the kitchen/kitchenette and the rest of the apartment, but no fully separated rooms other than the bathroom.
How big is a studio apartment usually?
Studio apartments can range in size anywhere from 300-1,000 square feet. Their size ratios will depend entirely on the local property market. Your average studio apartment should be big enough to comfortably accommodate a kitchen/kitchenette, main living/dining space, a bed area and the bathroom.
Are there different types of studio apartment?
Other than the main type of studio apartment, there are two specialised types – alcove and junior one-bedroom. An alcove studio has a small nook or alcove for the bed, usually with a curtain in place for privacy. A junior one-bedroom apartment is technically a studio, but there will be a permanent wall separating the bedroom from the rest of the apartment.
What is the difference between a studio and a 1-bedroom apartment?
The difference between a studio and a 1-bedroom apartment is that a 1-bed will have a fully separated bedroom. 1-beds usually feature more storage space than studios, though not always.
Why do they call them studio apartments?
Studio apartments get their name from the idea that they combine a living space and workspace (studio) for a professional. Artists, photographers, designers, etc, could live in their studio, maximising the useful space by having few or even no dividing walls.
Can a couple live in a studio apartment?
A couple can live in a studio apartment comfortably enough, if there is a large enough set space for a double bed. Generally though, most couples prefer the added storage and separate bedroom space of a 1-bed.
Are studio apartments cheaper than 1-bedroom apartments?
Studios tend to be cheaper than 1-bedroom apartments, simply because they are usually smaller and offer less privacy. However, this is not always the case. There are plenty of high-end and even luxury studio apartments in the larger cities’ property markets.
Where do you sleep in a studio apartment?
In a studio apartment, the living space and the bedroom are all in one combined in one main living room. Sometimes the bed folds away in a studio apartment or doubles as a sofa during the day.
What are the advantages of living in a studio apartment?
The main advantage of living in a studio apartment is that it tends to be the cheapest apartment option. Studios are a popular choice for singles and couples looking to save money or get on the property ladder.
While the smaller space might not seem like an advantage, it does make studio apartments easier to furnish. Similarly, the smaller space makes it cheaper to heat, a serious consideration given the ongoing energy crisis. Accordingly, you don’t have to spend a fortune to turn your flat into a home.
Another advantage of studios is that they offer a very flexible living space, one that maximises the value of every square foot. As the design ethos of ‘open-plan living’ is becoming more popular, more designers are turning to the studio approach to get the most out of smaller apartment spaces.
What are the disadvantages of living in a studio apartment?
The disadvantages of living in a studio apartment are fairly obvious – the smaller living space can make you feel more cramped, and less comfortable about entertaining. The lack of a dedicated bedroom can also make it feel like you have no boundaries between work time and personal time.
On the furnishing side, it can often be a squeeze to fit even basic furniture options into a studio. You may have to decide, for example, whether to plump for a bigger sofa or a dedicated dining table. And, as ever, a lack of storage space always makes it harder to fit everything in tidily.
Is council tax cheaper for a studio flat?
Council tax is usually lower for studio flats compared to other, larger types of properties. This is because the council tax band a property falls into is based on its market value. The higher the property’s value, the higher its council tax. Of course, luxurious studio apartments can still be expensive (putting them on a higher council tax band) but usually studios cost less than larger apartments or houses of similar build quality, furnishing, etc.
Is it worth living in a studio apartment?
If you’re single or in a couple and don’t mind living in each other’s pockets, it’s worth living in a studio apartment to secure a low purchase/rental price. Studios are cheaper to buy/rent, cheaper to heat and cheaper to furnish. If you want a flexible living space while you save for something bigger, it’s hard to beat a studio apartment.
However, be aware that even if a small space is used to the fullest, it’s still a small space. If you like to entertain, even casually, a studio is not going to give you much room for manoeuvre. Still, since a lot of studio apartment offers are in the middle of big cities, then going out is often an easy alternative to dining in.
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