Apartment sizes in Pakistan vary by city, developer, and building design. As a general guide, a one-bedroom apartment may offer around 500–850 square feet, a two-bedroom apartment 800–1,400 square feet, and a three-bedroom apartment 1,200–2,000 square feet or more.
However, the advertised area does not always represent the space you can actually use. Understanding floor plans, room dimensions, and the difference between covered and usable area can help you choose an apartment that suits your household.
Please note that the above are approximations and may vary by market.
Average Apartment Sizes in Pakistan (Square Feet)
The table below provides layouts and approximations of sizes.
|
Apartment Type |
Approximate Size |
Suitable For |
|
1-bedroom |
500–850 sq. ft. |
Individuals and couples |
|
2-bedroom |
800–1,400 sq. ft. |
Small families |
|
3-bedroom |
1,200–2,000+ sq. ft. |
Growing and larger families |
These are approximate planning ranges, not fixed standards. Actual apartment sizes can fall outside them, and developers may calculate advertised floor area differently.
Once again, these are approximations and may vary. Because design principles differ among developers, sizes may overlap. Compact apartments may be even smaller than the approximations above, and high-end apartments may be even larger than the approximations provided.
When considering apartments in square feet, it’s important to keep in mind larger doesn’t always mean better. Just because an apartment is larger than others doesn’t mean it’ll have a better layout or better living space. It could have unnecessarily long corridors or a poor layout.
Size of 1-Bedroom Apartments in Pakistan
1-bedroom apartments in Pakistan range from 500 to 850 square feet. These apartments include a separate bedroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Some additional features include a balcony, a dining area, and storage.
What is Included in a 1-Bedroom Layout?
Bedroom: has space for a bed and a wardrobe
Living Area: has space for a lounge for entertaining or to watch TV
Kitchen: an open or closed kitchen
Bathroom: has adequate ventilation
Balcony: for fresh air and to dry clothes
A one-bedroom apartment may suit individuals or couples who need a compact living space with manageable maintenance costs.
An Example
For example, a couple comparing a 600-square-foot one-bedroom apartment with a larger two-bedroom unit may find the smaller option sufficient if they do not need a dedicated home office or guest room. The decision depends on storage, room dimensions, and how they use their living space.
Even though a small apartment layout may work, high-quality layouts are still appreciated. For example, if the apartment has a kitchen with plenty of storage and a good layout with fewer barriers, it may feel bigger.
Size of 2-Bedroom Apartments in Pakistan
In Pakistan, Two-bedroom apartments commonly range from 800 to 1400 square feet. Smaller 2-bedroom apartments exist.
A two-bedroom apartment typically consists of:
- 2 bedrooms
- Living room and dining area
- Kitchen
- 1 or 2 bathrooms
- Balcony (if any)
- Other storage (if any)
- Storage/Laundry (if any)
A 2-bedroom apartment may have an additional bathroom or a larger living area, depending on the apartment's size.
Who Should Consider a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
A two-bedroom apartment may suit couples planning for a family or households that need additional space. The second bedroom can serve as a child's room, guest room, or home office.
Before choosing a layout, consider whether the living area, storage, and room dimensions will meet your everyday needs.
Size of 3-Bedroom Apartments in Pakistan
3-bedroom apartments in Pakistan range from 1200-2000 sq. ft. or more.
These units will usually include:
- Three bedrooms
- Living room
- Dining room
- Kitchen
- 2 or more bathrooms (based on design)
- Balcony or terrace (based on project)
- Storage/utility space (based on project)
The main bedroom may include an en-suite bathroom. The other bedrooms may be used as guest rooms, home offices, etc.
Who Should Consider a 3-Bedroom Apartment?
Three-bedroom apartments may suit larger households, joint families, or buyers who need separate bedrooms and workspace.
Beyond the number of rooms, check bedroom dimensions, bathroom access, storage, and privacy between living and sleeping areas.
What Kinds of Floor Plans Can Be Seen in Apartments in Pakistan?
Looking at apartment floor plans in Pakistan helps clients analyze how efficiently a property uses available space. ABS Developer can help readers assess how different apartment layouts meet their living requirements.
Examples include:
One-bedroom apartment: Includes a living room, a bedroom placed away from the living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, a balcony, and an adjacent utility area.
Two-Bedroom Apartment: Has a practical kitchen and a bathroom conveniently located near the living area. It also offers better bedroom privacy and a separate living and dining area.
Three-Bedroom Apartment: Has a functional kitchen layout with improved circulation, a large living area, and better bedroom privacy.
Check out different layouts and see how the living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms are positioned relative to each other, as well as to central spaces and corridors.
Use developer brochures where available. Label layouts as illustrative examples and not actual floor plans from Pakistan.
Covered Area vs. Usable Area: Why Apartment Size Can Be Misleading
When looking at apartment ads, analyze both the covered area and usable area.
|
Measurement |
What It Generally Represents |
|
Covered or gross area |
A developer-defined measurement that may include internal space, walls, balconies, or other allocated areas |
|
Net or usable area |
The space available for practical use, depending on the measurement convention |
|
Common areas |
Shared corridors, lift lobbies, and other building facilities, which may be accounted for separately or included in certain calculations |
Developers use different measurement systems. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that two apartments of the same size listed by different developers have the same internal space.
For example, in a Lahore Sky Brochure, the area of one apartment is listed as net 780 sq. ft. and gross 1037 sq. ft., and the area of another apartment is listed as net 1650 sq. ft. and gross 2190 sq. ft. These examples illustrate the need to review both the gross and net areas to comprehend what is actually shown.
The advertised size of an apartment may not reflect the usable area.
Selecting the Best Apartment Size for Your Family
The best layout for a family depends on the number of family members and the family's lifestyle and plans.
|
Household Type |
Layout to Consider |
Main Priority |
|
Single person |
1-bedroom |
Convenience and affordability |
|
Married couple |
1 or 2-bedroom |
Privacy and future needs |
|
Couple with one child |
2-bedroom |
Separate sleeping spaces |
|
Family with two children |
3-bedroom |
Personal space and storage |
|
Joint family |
Larger 3-bedroom |
Privacy and shared living |
Use this comparison as a starting point rather than a fixed rule. The most suitable apartment depends on your household's routines, storage needs, budget, and plans for using the available space.
Apartment Sizes in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad
Although apartment sizes in Pakistan's main markets aren't substantially different, there are a few nuances.
Lahore: There is a good selection of family residential units and premium apartments. These have bigger bedrooms and lounges.
Karachi: The city's dense urban areas have high-rise developments with smaller apartments, while family units are larger in established areas.
Islamabad: There are several options for larger family units, as well as smaller ones.
Broad market observations do exist and are not absolute. Apartment sizes and layouts vary considerably between developments. Actual layouts and sizes can vary within the same building. When you look at properties in different cities, don't assume standard sizes. Use verified brochures and floor plans.
What should you evaluate before buying an apartment?
It is imperative that you verify things like:
- Square-foot measurements.
- Gross or Net Square Footage
- Actual Bedroom Size
- Kitchen Size and Storage
- Living and Dining Area Size
- Number and Placement of Bathrooms
- Balcony and Utility Location
- Natural light and ventilation
- Circulation and Storage
- Floor Plan and other Documentation
You can also visit Sample Apartments to see the layout.
Most buyers find it easier to understand Square Feet than marla. Local marlas may vary, and there can be inconsistencies with Apartment listings. So, Square Feet may be more useful for comparisons.
When determining an apartment's size, you can use a square-foot-to-marla conversion.
What Apartment Size Offers the Best Value?
The Best Value Apartment is usually not the biggest. If a larger apartment has a lot of unused space, a smaller apartment may offer better value.
While you can look at the purchase price and cost per square foot for apartments for sale, for apartments for rent you can consider the local rental market. The Best Value comparison would utilize both the listed square footage and the useful space.
Scenarios Relating to Apartment Purchases
Scenario 1: Newly Married Couple
A newly married couple is thinking of moving into either a 600 sq. ft. one-bedroom apartment or an 850 sq. ft. two-bedroom apartment. For now, they may be fine with the one-bedroom apartment, but they may want to consider future uses of the second bedroom. Guests or a home office may use the second bedroom now, and in the future it may house relatives. They should check the actual room dimensions, storage, and the costs of the two apartments.
Scenario 2: Family with Two Children
A family considering a two- or three-bedroom apartment should think about the effect on the children’s privacy and study needs. A third bedroom may offer more flexibility as children grow.
Scenario 3. Comparing Apartments with Same Size
One buyer is considering two 1,200 sq. ft. apartments and finds that one has more net usable space. Measuring the various spaces helped to identify why this is the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a 2-bedroom apartment in Pakistan?
About 800-1400 square feet (depending on the developer).
What is the size of a 3-bedroom apartment in Pakistan?
From 1200- 2000 square feet
Can a couple live in a 600 square feet apartment?
Yes, as long as the layout provides for a bedroom, lounge, a kitchen, and storage.
What else can make an apartment feel smaller than its advertised size?
The advertised size includes walls and balconies. How you actually use the space and how it is designed can create the illusion of more or less space.
What do you think is the right apartment size I should go for? 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom?
It depends on your family size, how private you want to be, and your budget. Choose a third bedroom when the additional space serves a clear purpose.
How should I judge the size of the apartment?
Check the net and gross areas and floor plans. Contact the developer to clarify the measurements.
Learn more: Modern Apartments for Sale in Lahore Under Budget
