Introduction

Before renting out a property, it is useful to determine its floor area so that you can give accurate information to your tenants. When calculating, you need to take everything into account: the shape of premise, doors, windows, fireplaces and other similar features (if any).

Knowing the type of property is also useful for investment considerations, as it will help you organise renovation work. To start renting according to your resources and trends, and to provide accurate information in your advertisements, read our article below.

We'll help you identify what type of property you have and how to calculate its size! ☝️

The Preparation Phase

The first step is the surface area calculation: the dimensions of a room are based on its length and width. These can be used to calculate the area including floor, walls and ceiling.

You will need measurement tools like a tape measure, some paper, a pencil, a calculator and someone to help you. If you prefer more professional tools, use a laser tape measure, which functions as both a tape measure and a calculator. ☝️

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Calculating can be made with the classic method of drawing a layout of the property. It doesn't have to be specific, the important thing is that you can write down the dimensions of each of the walls next to them on the drawing. Before you start, move the furniture away from the wall.

Pros & Cons of Calculating Property Dimensions and Identifying Property Types

Below I have collected for you the advantages and disadvantages of calculating the size of a property. While this may not seem like an easy task, read on to see the benefits of putting a focus on it.

Pros:

✅ Accuracy in advertisements

✅ Optimized pricing

✅ Better planning

✅ Versatility in marketing

✅ Informed decision-making

Cons:

❌ Time-consuming

❌ Requires precision

❌ Potential for overcomplication

❌ Tools & assistance needed

❌ Constant updating

Calculation Formulas

Below are the formulas you can use to calculate the area of your property.

Standard Shapes

These are the most common shapes, which are easy to calculate using the formulas. They are listed below. Π stands for pi, or 3.14, which is the value you should use for your calculations.

The shapes are shown on the left and their formulas on the right.

☝️ Square - S x S (side x side)

☝️ Rectangle - L x W (length x width)

☝️ Right triangle - multiply the 2 sides of equal length, then divide by 2

☝️ Circle - Π x radius² or Π x (radius x radius)

☝️ Half circle - Π x radius² divided by 2 or Π x (radius x radius) divided by 2

Non-Standard Shapes

For these, break each piece down into several standard shapes, which you can then calculate using the formulas above. Then you just add up the areas. ☝️

For example: you can divide an L-shaped room into 2 rectangles, or 1 rectangle and 1 square. Or another example: you can divide a room with a rounded or triangular corner into rectangles, squares, semicircles and triangles.

Calculating the Surface Area of Walls

To get the surface area of a wall (for example, for painting), measure the total length (perimeter) of the room and multiply this by the height of the ceiling. Or you can use the L x W formula, just remember to subtract windows (average 1.5 m²) and doors (average 2 m²). 📖

Definition of Property Types

It's not easy to find your way around real estate terms and property types, but it helps to know exactly what type of property you're renting out when it comes to setting your booking fees.

Below, we'll help you get to grips with the most common property types, but we won't cover the smallest units, as these are not commonly rented out. Units larger than T2 are most common for seasonal rental.

An important note is that the 'T' in each name stands for the number of rooms. In some advertisements it is replaced by 'F', which refers to the number of persons the property is suitable for. Also, if the living room of a property is larger than 30 m², it can count as two rooms, if you divide it. 📖

The T1 Type

A flat with a floor area of at least 9 m², a ceiling height of 2.2 m and a volume of at least 20 m3. There is one main room, the living room, which is also the bedroom. It also has a dining room, a bathroom and a kitchen with an average floor area of 32 m². ☝️

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Type T2

A 2-bedroom apartment consisting of a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. It has 2 separate bedrooms and an average floor area of 45 m².

The T3 Type

It consists of 3 rooms, including a living room as the main room, and 2 separate bedrooms. Also a bathroom and a kitchen. This apartment with 3 main rooms is the most popular because it is suitable for couples with and without children. 📖

It has an average floor area of 65 m² and is therefore popular with landlords. Moreover, there is no minimum floor area, so it is easy to mix T2 bis, T3 and T3 bis.

The T4 Type

This is the most common in France because it includes both apartments and houses. It consists of 4 rooms, including 2 bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom and a kitchen.

However, it can also have 3 bedrooms and 1 main room. The average floor area is between 80-100 m².

Types T5, T6 & T7

Most T5 types are houses consisting of 4 bedrooms and a main room (living room). Their floor area ranges from 95 to 150 m². Popular choice for holidays with friends. 📖

The T6 type has 6 bedrooms, with 5 bedrooms and a floor area of 140-190 m². Type T7 has 7 bedrooms and a floor area of over 190 m².

The Bis Types

Each property type has a bis type. This is why it is important to include the right information in your advertisements. Also, remember that anywhere where there is a main room divided into 2 parts is considered to be 2-bedroom accommodation. ☝️

Type T1 Bis

Type T1 with an additional area, which can be a semi-floor, with an average floor area of 35 m². The kitchen opens from the living room.

Type T2 Bis

It is like T2, but the main room is large enough to be divided into two parts. Thus, in addition to the kitchen and bathroom, it has 2 main rooms, each of which exceeds 9 m². The average floor area is 50 m².

Features of the Loft

This increasingly popular property type is characterised by its large space, abundance of light and modern, open feel. It usually consists of a large main room with walls or partitions separating other rooms.

It has an average area of 100-150 m² and is usually located in an old building that has been renovated into a modern apartment. Good choice for family holidays. 📖

Characteristics of the Duplex & Triplex

Two or three separate apartments connected by an internal staircase. Can consist of 2-3 floors, with the entrance and common areas on the lower floors and bedrooms on the upper floors.

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Duplexes are usually consists of two floors with separate apartment functions. Triplexes are the same, except that they are generally three storeys. ☝️

The floor area divided into levels is usually between 100 and 160 m².

Characteristics of the Villa

A luxury home with large spaces and many rooms. It often has a garden or a park and is always located in a special setting: on a private plot, in a privileged area, on the beach, facing a fabulous panorama, etc. ☝️

The average size is between 180-300 m² or even more. The number of rooms may vary, but usually consists of a large main room, 2-4 bedrooms, kitchen, 2-3 bathrooms and a sports room.

Most of the time it has a spa, sauna, hammam, swimming pool, tennis court, etc. Ideal for luxury-oriented travellers.

A Summary

We know that in some cases there is a fine line between the different types, so we have created a summary. You can see the type of the properties on the left and the characteristics on the right.

📖 Studio - single room, with everything averaging 9 m²

📖 T1 - one main room with kitchen, 32 m² on average

📖 T1 bis - one main room (separable), 35 m² on average

📖 T2 - like T1 with one extra bedroom, average 45 m²

📖 T2 bis - a separate main room with a smaller second room, averaging 50 m²

📖 T3, T4, T5 and others - similar to T1 but with 2 or more bedrooms, averaging 65-190 m²

📖 Loft - large living room with several separate rooms, averaging over 100 m²

📖 Duplex and triplex - apartments with 2 or 3 floors, averaging 100-160 m²

📖 Villa - large interiors with 2-4 bedrooms, averaging 180-300 m²

Conclusion

Now you know how to determine the size and type of your property. These are important to know if you want to rent out. We've explained how to calculate the exact dimensions and the tools and formulas you'll need.

We have also shown you some property types to help you prepare even better for renting out your property. This knowledge will help you find the right tenants. ☝️

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How do I calculate the surface area of a room?

Measure the room's length and width, then multiply these two numbers together.

❓ What tools do I need to measure my property's size?

You'll need a tape measure, paper, pencil, and a calculator. A laser tape measure can also be handy for more precise measurements.

❓ Can I use standard formulas for all room shapes?

Yes, for basic shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, and right triangles. For complex shapes, divide them into basic ones and sum their areas.

❓ How do I calculate the area of non-standard room shapes?

Break down the shape into standard geometrical shapes, calculate each area separately, and then add them together.

❓ How can I determine my property's type for rental?

The property type is often based on the number of rooms (T1, T2, etc.). Measure the area and compare it with the definitions given for each property type.