What is a studio flat, and should you choose a studio or one bedroom flat?

If you are looking for a flat to rent and you only need one bedroom, you don’t necessarily need a one bedroom flat. If your budget is tight, or the area you want to live is expensive, a studio flat or studio apartment could be ideal.

What is the difference between a studio flat and one bedroom flat?

The main difference is that a studio flat has a single living space, with a separate bathroom, whereas a one bedroom flat has the bedroom in a separate room to the living area or lounge. Studio flats are usually smaller than one bedroom flats (but not always). In a studio flat the main living area will be arranged so that there is usually enough room for a bed, wardrobe and storage units, a lounge space for a sofa, coffee table and dining table, a kitchen or kitchenette.

What should you consider when choosing a studio flat or one bedroom flat

Advantages of a studio flat

The main benefit is that the rental charge for studio flats will be lower than one bedroom flats of a similar standard and specification. Studio flats also tend to have a more spacious feel than one bedroom apartments. Another advantage is that studio flat tenants will usually have lower energy bills than those in one bedroom flats because there is a smaller space to heat. Never underestimate the fact it is also less space to clean!

Advantages of a one bedroom flat

The main advantage of a one bedroom flat is that the flat will have a more conventional floor plan, with the bedroom being in a separate room to the living room and kitchen. This gives more privacy for people living there. A couple, for example, could have different work patterns, so may have to sleep during times when their partner is at home in the living area. A one bedroom flat will usually mean a larger area for storage space too.

Renting a studio flat

Studio flat layout

The common layout of a studio flat is composed of a main living space with a kitchen area or kitchenette, and a separate bathroom. People renting a studio often divide up the living space into separate areas by using things like floor to ceiling bookcases, room divider curtains or sliding doors.

What is the minimum size for a studio flat?

By law a studio flat has to be 70 square feet to house one tenant, and two tenants require minimum floor space of 110 square feet. A typical studio flat is around 250 square feet. The largest studio flats (excluding loft apartments) are usually about 600 square feet.

Are all bills included with a studio flat?

Sometimes landlords include all bills in the rental for a studio flat, but not always. Check with the letting agent whether bills like gas, electric, water and council tax are all-inclusive.

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Different types of studio flat

What is a self-contained studio flat?

If accommodation is described as a ‘self-contained studio flat’, it means it is a single room with living space, kitchen and bathroom facilities self-contained within it. There are no shared facilities, but these kind of studio flats are likely to be much smaller than a typical studio. The ‘bathroom’ in a self-contained studio is likely to just be part of the single accommodation unit, rather than a separate room.

What is a semi studio flat?

A ‘semi-studio flat’ is a term increasingly used by letting agents to describe accommodation that is significantly smaller than an average studio flat or self-contained studio flat, but usually with the same basic elements. Some semi-studios are too small to have a sink, toilet and shower, so you may have to share bathroom facilities with other tenants of the building.

Making the right choice for you

If you want to know more about renting a studio flat or the types of studio flat Howards have available, talk to our expert team today!