Micro-apartments are a form of smaller housing that usually ranges between 150 and 400 square feet. Aiming to combine necessity with functionality, these types of apartments provide all the essential amenities one might need in the smallest space possible. And even though micro-apartments are still a relatively new concept, they are slowly becoming the most popular accommodation option, especially among younger generations. To that end, here are some reasons why micro-apartments have become a rising trend in city living:

The importance of a prime city location

What micro-apartments lack in square footage, they often make up for in their proximity to prime locations. As this type of accommodation can usually be found in major cities across the globe, micro-apartments tend to be located in more urban and densely populated areas that generally don’t provide a lot of space, only at a more affordable price for the average tenant. What’s more, an increasing number of renters, especially younger ones who have just started living on their own, are more likely to sacrifice space, as long as that entails close proximity to schools, business centers, and other lifestyle aspects of urban areas that allow them to enjoy a life in the city. This could be one of the reasons why micro-apartments are so trendy among generations that value convenience over luxury.

The need for more affordable housing

The standard of living has typically decreased for younger generations in recent years, which might be one of the biggest reasons why micro-apartments are gaining popularity. Of course, the monthly cost of renting a micro-apartment can vary widely depending on the country, the city, and even the particular area of the city where the housing is located. However, the monthly rent is generally between 70% and 80% the price of a typical, conventionally sized apartment in the same area. This difference becomes more apparent and much more important in large American cities such as Washington DC, New York, and San Francisco, where a micro-apartment becomes the only affordable housing option for younger generations.

Unique serviced apartment experiences

Smaller apartments aren’t just a popular living arrangement; they’re also becoming one of the trendiest options when it comes to travel accommodation, whether it’s a short trip or an extended stay. For instance, businessmen and digital nomads traveling through Asia for work obligations typically opt for Hong Kong serviced apartments when they visit this major business center. The reason for this increasing popularity is not only the convenient location that serviced apartments tend to offer, but also the comfort, privacy, and a homely feel, which make for a more pleasant and unique travel experience. As many of these serviced apartments also include communal areas, such as lounges, kitchens, and workspaces, they can be suitable for anything from socializing to effortlessly taking care of essential business obligations.

Choosing efficient design over luxury

Considering the fact that renters are increasingly looking for new and fully furnished properties that align with their aspirational lifestyles, it’s no surprise that micro-apartments are becoming a rising trend. And as these tenants generally choose a creative and efficient design that offers everything they need over the luxury of wasted space, such as basements, garages, and additional rooms, smaller living spaces become the best possible solution. The limited square footage of micro-apartments means that the interior design needs to be carefully planned and thought out in advance, offering perfectly placed, essential furniture, as well as innovative storage and other space-saving solutions. Evidently, the mere nature of small apartments caters to the minimal lifestyle favored among younger generations.

A sustainable accommodation option

With the need for a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle also come more ethical and sustainable practices. Living in a small space means that there’s not enough room for excess, unnecessary belongings, which leads micro-apartment renters to reduce their need to purchase and consume resources, but rather find new ways to be more environmentally conscious. As a number of micro-apartments are also incorporated in different co-living spaces that share communal areas such as living rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entertainment spaces, this also means that the total amount of water and energy consumed is significantly smaller compared to conventional living arrangements, making for a more sustainable and eco-friendly housing option.

Evidently, the current housing and lifestyle trends are heavily influenced by younger people aiming for a simpler, more convenient, and more affordable living arrangement. And considering the fact that living in a micro-apartment provides all the advantages of living in an urban city, without any staggering costs, it’s safe to assume that the small living trend will only continue to rise in the future.