📏 Apartment Sizes Are Changing Again
After a decade of shrinking floorplans, U.S. apartments are getting larger again. In 2024, the average size of new apartments increased to 908 square feet, up from 891 square feet in 2022. Studios and one-bedrooms saw the biggest gains, adding up to 13 square feet year-over-year.
This shift is especially notable in Sunbelt cities:
- Tallahassee, FL: 1,130 sq. ft.
- Gainesville, FL: 1,122 sq. ft.
- Baton Rouge, LA: 1,055 sq. ft.
- Knoxville, TN: 1,041 sq. ft.
- Marietta, GA: 1,041 sq. ft.
Meanwhile, urban hubs like Seattle (649 sq. ft.) and Boston (772 sq. ft.) continue to trend smaller.
Why It Matters
Larger units are making a comeback as renters seek more livable space—especially in suburban and secondary markets. This trend opens the door for developers to rethink unit mixes, optimize layouts, and deliver more value per square foot.
What Developers Should Do Now
- Reassess Your Unit Mix: Consider increasing the proportion of one- and two-bedroom units in your projects.
- Optimize Layouts: Design flexible spaces that can adapt to various tenant needs, enhancing livability without significantly increasing square footage.
- Focus on High-Demand Markets: Target Sunbelt and secondary markets where demand for larger units is growing.
Let’s Talk Strategy
BASE4 specializes in designing efficient, scalable multifamily units tailored to current market trends. If you’re planning a new development or reevaluating your unit mix, we’re here to help.
Thank you,
Blair Hildahl
BASE4 Principal
608.304.5228
BlairH@base-4.com
