Finding the perfect amount of square metres needed for living isn’t just about cold calculations—it’s about creating a space that truly fits your lifestyle, habits, and aspirations. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or searching for your first home, understanding your real space requirements is key to living comfortably.
Forget Minimum Standards—Focus on Real Comfort
While regulations suggest 10 m² per person as a bare minimum, these standards rarely reflect how we actually live. Here’s what you truly need:
- <15 m²/person → Feels cramped (like living in a shoebox)
- 20-25 m²/person → The sweet spot for comfort
- 30+ m²/person → Luxury territory (ideal for remote workers or families)
Your Life Determines Your Square Metres Needed for Living
Ask yourself:
✔ Do you work from home? → Add +10 m² for a dedicated office
✔ Love hosting? → +5 m² for guest space
✔ Have hobbies or collections? → +5-8 m² for storage/creative zones
Every “yes” means your required living space grows.
Smart Design Beats Raw Square Footage
A well-designed 50 m² home can feel larger than a poorly planned 70 m² space. Maximize your square metres needed for living with:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows (natural light = illusion of space)
- Multifunctional furniture (e.g., sofa beds, foldable desks)
- Vertical storage (walls are your best friend)
Outdoor Space Counts Too!
Don’t ignore balconies, terraces, or nearby parks—they effectively extend your living area. Example:
- A 5 m² balcony = Extra dining space in summer
- Parks nearby = Your free “outdoor living room”
The Eternal Trade-Off: Location vs. Space
Urban core vs. suburbs? Your square metres needed for living depend on priorities:
📍 City center → Less space, but walkable amenities
🏡 Suburbs → More room, longer commutes
Pro tip: Every 15 minutes saved on commuting ≈ Worth 10 m² less at home.
Future-Proof Your Space
Your living space requirements will evolve. Consider:
- Growing family?
- Aging parents moving in?
- Career changes (e.g., hybrid work)?
Quick Quiz: Calculate Your Magic Number
Rate each (1=low, 5=high):
- Hours spent at home daily
- Number of possessions
- Work-from-home needs
- Frequency of guests
- Space-heavy hobbies
Results:
- 5-10 pts: 25-35 m²/person
- 11-15 pts: 35-45 m²/person
- 16-20 pts: 45-60 m²/person
- 20+ pts: Custom solution needed
Final Advice: Quality Over Quantity
The right square metres needed for living balance:
- Your actual daily routines (not hypothetical scenarios)
- Smart design choices (better layouts > more m²)
- Neighborhood perks (great location can compensate for smaller space)
Need help crunching the numbers? Our experts specialize in matching people with their perfect home size—contact us for a personalized assessment!
