Is 600 sq ft too small to call home?

In Parliament this week, the deputy housing minister said private-sector affordable homes are typically 600 sq ft for 1 bedroom, 700 for 2 and 800 for 3. She also said a uniform national minimum size could push costs up. Residensi Rakyat's minimum has already been raised to 750 sq ft.

After 14 years as an architect, my view is that square footage matters less than how the plan works.

A well-planned 650 sq ft unit can live better than a badly planned 850 sq ft one. What makes the difference:

• Layout that fits the household, not a showroom

• Natural light and cross ventilation in every room

• Real storage, so the living room isn't the storeroom

• Flexible spaces that can grow with the family

• Less corridor, more usable floor

A national minimum treats the symptom. Better design standards and planning approvals that reward liveability would do more for buyers, without adding to the price.

What size would you say is "enough" for a young family?

Source: The Star, 20 Oct 2026, "Size of affordable homes must reflect local needs, Dewan Rakyat told"

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