Minimum Space Standards for New Homes (Updated 2024)

15 Mar

Minimum space standards apply to most new build and conversion homes in England.

What are Minimum Space Standards?

Minimum space standards refer to the required minimum floor area and dimensions for new dwellings, ensuring they are functional, safe, and comfortable for occupants. These standards are established to prevent overcrowding, promote better living conditions, and ensure homes are adaptable to the changing needs of occupants.

In October 2015, the government introduced the “nationally described space standard,” intended to improve the quality of new housing in England.

A new dwelling must provide at least the gross internal floor area (GIA) and built-in storage area set out in the table below.

    Type of dwelling
    Minimum gross internal floor area (GIA) and storage (m²)
    London best practice*
  


    Number of bedrooms (b)
    Number of bedspaces (persons (p))
    1 storey
    2 storey
    3 storey
    Built-in storage
    GIA
    Built-in storage
  

    1b
    1p
    39/37**
    
    
    1
    +4
    +0.5
  

    2p
    50
    58
    
    1.5
    +5
  

    2b
    3p
    61
    70
    
    2
    +6
  

    4p
    70
    79
    86
    2.5
    +7
  

    3b
    4p
    74
    84
    90
    2.5
    +10
  

    5p
    86
    93
    99
    +11
  

    6p
    95
    102
    108
    +12
  

    4b
    5p
    90
    97
    103
    3
    +11
  

    6p
    99
    106
    112
    +12
  

    7p
    108
    115
    121
    +13
  

    8p
    117
    124
    130
    +14
  

    5b
    6p
    103
    110
    116
    3.5
    +12
  

    7p
    112
    119
    125
    +13
  

    8p
    121
    128
    134
    +14
  

    6b
    7p
    116
    123
    129
    4
    +13
  

    8p
    125
    132
    138
    +14
  

* In addition to the national space standards, the Mayor of London introduced “best practice” guidance urging for more space for London residents.

** Where a studio / one-bedroom, one-person dwelling has a shower room instead of a bathroom, the floor area may be reduced from 39m² to 37m².

Technical Requirements

The standard requires that:

A dwelling with 2 or more bedspaces has at least 1 double (or twin) bedroom.
In order to provide 1 bedspace, a single bedroom has a floor area of at least 7.5m² and is at least 2.15m wide.
In order to provide 2 bedspaces, a double bedroom has a floor area of at least 11.5m².
1 double bedroom is at least 2.75m wide and every other double bedroom is at least 2.55m wide.
Any area with a headroom of less than 1.5m is not counted within the Gross Internal Area unless used solely for storage (if the area under the stairs is to be used for storage, assume a general floor area of 1m² within the Gross Internal Area).
Any other area that is used solely for storage and has a headroom of 900-1500mm (such as under eaves) is counted at 50% of its floor area, and any area lower than 900mm is not counted at all.
A built-in wardrobe counts towards the Gross Internal Area and bedroom floor area requirements, but should not reduce the effective width of the room below the minimum widths set out above. The built-in area in excess of 0.72m² in a double bedroom and 0.36m² in a single bedroom counts towards the built-in storage requirement.
The minimum floor to ceiling height is 2.3m for at least 75% of the Gross Internal Area

Minimum Bedroom Sizes for HMOs

Bedrooms in HMOs are subject to separate planning policy under the London Plan

Room used for sleeping by 1 adult: No smaller than 6.51m².
Room used for sleeping by 2 adults: No smaller than 10.22m².
Room used for sleeping by children of 10 years and younger: No smaller than 4.64m².

This standard is pivotal in ensuring that new homes are built to accommodate the comfort, privacy, and spatial needs of residents.

The Importance of Adhering to Minimum Space Standards

Adhering to these standards is not just about regulatory compliance; it's about creating livable, sustainable, and adaptable homes that meet the needs of their inhabitants. By following these guidelines, developers and architects contribute to the overall well-being of residents, fostering environments that support a high quality of life.

England vs. London: A Comparative Overview

While England has set national minimum space standards, London has introduced its own set of guidelines that are more stringent. This discrepancy underscores London's unique urban challenges, including higher population density and limited space. Our accompanying table provides a detailed comparison of these standards, highlighting the differences behind the best practice guidance for London.

Key Takeaways from the Minimum Space Standards

Functionality and Comfort: The standards ensure that every home provides adequate space for basic living functions, including sleeping, eating, and socializing.

Flexibility: Homes must be designed to be adaptable to the changing needs of residents, such as the arrival of children or the need for home offices.

Health and Well-being: Adequate space contributes to the mental and physical well-being of residents, allowing for sufficient light, ventilation, and personal space.

Future-Proofing: By adhering to these standards, homes are better equipped to meet the future needs of residents, making them more sustainable in the long run.

Mustafa Bashkal