Looking for an all-in-one, single-room apartment? Efficiency apartments, which are notoriously small and often furnished, might prove to be what you’re hoping for. Since these apartments are all-in-one, the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area are usually contained in one space and the bathroom is separate.
What are efficiency apartments? Explore how they differ from studio apartments.
An efficiency can be most easily explained as an apartment with everything in one room. Not to be confused with a studio apartment, efficiency apartments are typically smaller and contain fewer features.
What this looks like ranges depending on the apartment. For example, kitchens in these apartments are usually minimal — think about a “kitchenette.” Studios, on the other hand, may have a very large and functional kitchen.
An efficiency apartment is notoriously small and usually only suited for single occupancy. Studio apartments often are large enough to house at least two people. The sole purpose of efficiencies, and the reason they’re so small, is so someone can be right near the action of a booming city center, which is typically not an area where sprawling apartment space exists.
Where can you find efficiency apartments?
Efficiency apartments can prove tricky to find. They’re typically found in converted homes and properties in cities. Due to their small size, sometimes they’re lumped into studio apartment listings. Renters should ask leasing managers specifics about the listing they’re interested in to differentiate if it’s a studio apartment or an efficiency apartment.
City centers are notorious for small apartments with large price tags. Efficiency apartments are in this mix, yet, offered at a more affordable rate simply due to their smaller floor plan. With their locations commonly being in the heart of cities, this attracts certain types of renters who yearn to live a metropolis lifestyle, even if that means sacrificing space.
Types of renters who like efficiencies
As mentioned, the purpose of smaller apartments is usually to be close to a city center without having to pay costly market-rate rent prices. For this reason, efficiency apartments often are lived in by young business people, students or new graduates. They can also make a fantastic pied-a-terre, if that’s a housing option you’re in the market for.
Another group who would like one of these compact apartments is single people. Due to these apartments really only having storage and living space for one person, efficiency apartments are perfect for people who are living solo.
Efficiency living
Efficiency doesn’t mean “low quality”. One misconception about efficiency apartments is that, because they’re affordable, they’re low quality. The entire purpose of these compact apartments is to make city-center life affordable but also reasonable. In fact, efficiency apartments are oftentimes quite luxurious.
Less personal space does equal lower cost. Making living affordable for those who decide an efficiency apartment is right for them. This leaves extra expenses for decorating your apartment, commuting to work or even just weekly groceries.
Cons of this apartment type
With less space, also, of course, come less space. The limited square footage in efficiency apartments can make downsizing from a larger space or just adjusting to smaller living quarters more difficult. There are great hacks to utilize your smaller space when it comes to living and storage, but it would be an adjustment for a renter.
Another potential con of an efficiency is less space for hobbies. Cooking or entertaining and hosting people is tricky in these apartments because they lack a full kitchen.
The smaller kitchen leaves little room for cooking your favorite recipes. In the same vein, it’s difficult to host dinner parties, book club or movie nights in tighter quarters.
There are ways to furnish your small space to allow more room for your favorite activities, but it’s important to consider limited square footage when deciding if this type of apartment is right for you.
Thinking about renting one of these compact apartments?
There are a lot of options when it comes to renting, which serves as a double-edged sword. Whether you knew about small apartment living or are just learning about the concept now, it’s an exciting option to consider depending on your individual circumstances. It’s important to make a decision that works for you and your lifestyle, and an efficiency apartment could be the right fit.
