What Is a Flex Apartment?

A flex apartment is exactly what it sounds like, an apartment with flexible space. In these homes, a nonpermanent wall or divider bisects a larger room (bedroom, living room, etc.), creating a secondary space. This bifurcation increases the number of rooms in order to add an additional designated space for uses such as an office or extra sleeping quarters.

Although not a new concept, as the world of rental spaces continues to adapt to changes in demands, so do luxury apartment offerings. In place of expensive, new construction or renovations, many landlords and leasing companies look to flex apartments as a way to meet the constantly changing needs of their renters.

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Flex Apartment Vs. 1-Bedroom Apartment

The main differences between a flex studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment are the size, the soundproofing, and the multipurpose usability of the space.

While square footage varies greatly from city to city, a typical one-bedroom apartment runs about 700-800 sq. ft. The bedroom often consumes about a quarter of the space and is entirely concealed behind permanent walls and a door, while the rest of the footprint consists of a bathroom, kitchen, and living space. By contrast, a studio apartment averages 400-600 square feet, meaning that a flex studio converted into a one-bedroom will result in significantly smaller living and bedroom spaces than a standard one-bedroom unit.

Additionally, depending on the construction and materials of the temporary wall, soundproofing may not exist between the divided spaces. Noise may not be an issue in a one-bedroom occupied by one person or a couple, but if the divider adds a second or third bedroom, privacy may be seriously compromised.

Some flex apartments provide moveable dividers, rather than a stationary wall, whether by putting the structure on wheels, hiding it inside an existing wall (like a pocket door), or attaching it to a wall or ceiling with hinges. This kind of divider allows the renter to adjust the space as needed and can benefit someone who requires different apartment spaces and layouts for working, relaxing, sleeping, and hosting.

Pros & Cons of Flex Apartments

Advantages of a Flex Apartment:

• It’s in the name: flexibility. Flex apartments provide the multi-purposing of rooms, especially those with mobile walls and/or dividers.
• Price. Due to their nature, flex apartments provide more living and working space in a smaller overall footprint. This layout can create a more useful and seemingly bigger space for less money. 
• Working from home. As much of the world pivoted to remote and hybrid work in recent years, the desire for apartments with at-home workspaces has skyrocketed. Flex apartments allow residents to carve out the perfect offices, recording studios, and maker spaces for the modern worker.

Disadvantages of a Flex Apartment:

• Size. As previously mentioned, flex spaces are often smaller, especially in multi-bedroom apartments. This setup can result in more people and more things in less square feet. If you value personal space and live with roommates, a flex apartment may not be right for you.
• Privacy and structural integrity. Pay close attention to how the building constructed the dividing wall. Some can look like a fully intact wall and be remarkably soundproof, while others have gaps around them and offer zero sound protection. The option that works for you depends on your specific work and living situation.
• Questionable legality. Although not often a problem, make sure the build-out and division of space were done legally. Since rules and regulations vary drastically from city to city, an expert in the area can help. By working with AptAmigo, you can feel confident that the space you love is also legal.

Do I Actually Want to Live in One?

This decision depends on your lifestyle, personal situation, and preferences. Often suitable for people who work from home or who want to save a little money by adding a roommate, the particulars of your life will help you determine whether the reduced price and added flexibility are worth the potential loss of space and privacy. Of course, if you live alone, a flex apartment won’t affect your privacy at all and could represent the ideal solution for your future space, so assess your needs carefully as you consider this option.

Looking for a New Apartment?

The market for luxury apartments changes rapidly. And, the increase in remote and hybrid employment opportunities shifted what work-life balance looks like these days, impacting what we look for in a home. At AptAmigo, we stay ahead of the curve by coupling our knowledgeable staff and cutting-edge technology with a client-centric approach to ensure your ever-evolving needs are met every step of the way. 

Whether you are ready to move forward with your flex apartment search, or just need a little more information about the pros and cons of these adaptable spaces, our expert Locators are standing by. We know the ins and outs of every layout and will take the time to fully understand your needs before determining what kind of luxury space is not just right, but perfect for you.

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