Hong Kong is infamous for its “nano flats,” with some newly built units measuring just 120 square feet—about the size of a parking space.
In 2024, official data from the Hong Kong Housing Authority revealed that the average new private apartment was only 435 square feet. Many locals live in even smaller subdivided units, sometimes called “coffin homes,” which can be as cramped as 50 square feet.
Demand is fierce due to astronomical property prices, with average home prices hovering around $1.2 million. This extreme density and limited space force creative storage solutions, like foldable beds and wall-mounted tables. Residents have described daily life as “living in a shoebox,” making Hong Kong a symbol of compact urban survival.
Japan is known worldwide for its efficient use of space, and its apartments are no exception. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the average apartment size for a single tenant is just 215 square feet, according to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
The famous “one-room” apartments, or “1K” (one room plus a kitchen), are so small that kitchens often double as entryways. Capsule hotels, originally designed for travelers, inspired a new wave of ultra-compact micro-apartments built for students and young professionals.
Singapore’s limited land and soaring property prices have led to some of the world’s smallest apartments. According to Urban Redevelopment Authority figures from 2024, the median size for new private apartments dropped to 430 square feet.
Government-built HDB flats are larger but still compact, with many singles and couples living in “studio apartments” as small as 350 square feet. Many of these homes feature innovative layouts with sliding doors and multi-use furniture to maximize every inch.
The city-state’s micro-apartments are especially popular among young professionals and expatriates who value location over size. In 2023, Singapore introduced new guidelines to prevent developers from building units smaller than 377 square feet. Despite these rules, demand for tiny apartments remains strong, reflecting a city where every square meter counts.
