Understanding Apartment Sizes in Québec

Finding the ideal apartment in Québec can be a bit of a headache, especially if you don’t have the terminology.

Whether you’re a student, a young professional or a family looking for housing adapted to your needs, it’s essential to be familiar with the different options available so that you’re ready to make an informed decision.

With all the different apartment sizes and configurations, how do you determine what each type of apartment has to offer?

In this article, Vistoo prepared a detailed guide to help you understand the terminology.

The Number of Rooms in an Apartment

In Québec, apartments are generally described by the number of rooms they have, using a number. The “½” refers to the bathroom, which is considered half a room.

This classification system is used everywhere in Québec and helps renters to quickly identify the type of apartment that they’re looking for.

However, it’s worth pointing out that these rooms are not necessarily defined by a specific use; a bedroom can also be used as an office or playroom. In fact, it can have any other function, depending on the renter’s preferences.

Again, this classification system is used to indicate the number of rooms inside an apartment, so that renters can determine if an apartment is appropriate for them.

Surface Area of an Apartment

In Québec, there are no standard methods or pre-established criteria to calculate the surface area of an apartment. As a result, it can be difficult to determine the typical surface area of a specific type of apartment.

Nevertheless, in general, the surface area of an apartment includes the interior living spaces, like the bedroom, living room and kitchen. Technically, the more rooms there are, the bigger the surface area is.

That being said, it’s still important to check the total surface area of the apartment to have a better idea of the amount of space the apartment offers. This will allow you to compare it to other offers on the market. As a result, you’ll be able to make an informed decision in accordance with your lifestyle and space requirements.

Micro-apartments 

You might have heard about micro-apartments, this recent and increasingly popular trend in Québec.

Micro-apartments differ from regular apartments because of their significantly reduced size. By way of comparison, a medium-sized apartment (a 3 ½) can vary between 600 and 1,000 square feet, while a micro-apartment is often below 500 square feet.

These compact units are designed to maximize the amount of space while offering optimal ergonomics. They generally have a multifunctional room that serves simultaneously as a bedroom, living room and working space. In addition, they have a kitchenette and a small bathroom.

Despite their small size, this type of apartment is often equipped with smart and modern amenities to optimize the space, making it particularly attractive for single people that want to live in a modern and minimalist space.

Find Your Ideal Apartment Size

When it comes to choosing your future apartment, it’s crucial to properly evaluate your needs in terms of living space and to take the time to ask yourself the right questions.

How many rooms do you need to be comfortable and what are you planning to use them for? Do you need an extra room for an office or to have more storage space? Are you thinking you might need a guest room? Are you planning to expand your family? Are you looking for a studio or a 4 ½?

Now that we explained the terminology and you have defined your requirements, the next step is to find your ideal apartment.  

Whether you’re looking for a small functional space like a 400-square-foot micro-apartment, or a spacious 1,100-square-foot apartment for your family, Vistoo is there to help you find an apartment that suits your needs and has the perfect size.

To discover our wide selection of new apartments available for rent in big cities like Montreal, check out our online platform now!