This is EXACTLY how much storage space you get in new-build homes - and it might shock you!

Experts have been digging into the Government’s minimum storage-space requirements for new houses to show what we can expect

Every home requires storage space. Whether it's for the Hoover or a fashionable wardrobe selection – storage is always a must. Yet, conversely, there's no denying homes are getting smaller, and therefore so is our storage space.

With the latest data showing today's new homes are the smallest that they have been in 100 years – just how much storage space in new builds can buyers and renters expect going forward?

Newly released stats from Attic Self Storage's What's in Store for Storage guide, show just how much floor space is required in different sized properties – using government standards. And you might not be surprised to learn that it's a modest figure.

Related: Self build homes – everything you need to know about the cost, procedure and finding a plot for a new home

How much storage space does a new build offer?

sloping roof house with exposed brick walls

(Image credit: Oliver Gordon)

Back in 2015 the government created minimum standards for internal storage space in new build homes. Detailing how many metres of floor space had to be set aside to allow for cupboards, under stair storage and built-in wardrobes.

The guide reveals interestingly the proportion of space allotted for storage is of a similar proportion regardless of the number of bedrooms. The guidelines indicate between 2.55 and 3.15 per cent of floor space must be set aside, regardless of property size.

Unsurprisingly, one-bed properties have the least storage space allowance – at only 1.25m squared. While larger six-bed properties must allow at least 4m squared for storage.

Attic Self Storage used this data to create a graphic to show the requirements in all new homes, from one-beds up to six-beds.

graphic view of dwelling space versus storage space

(Image credit: Attic Self Storage)

The storage experts have created a rough outline of items you could reasonably fit into each space, depending on property sizes:

● One bed flats only really provide enough space for cleaning items and a suitcase.
● Three bed flats are estimated to provide space for cleaning items, larger suitcases plus some furniture.
● Six bed homes provide the most space internally. Allowing for larger furniture items such as summer garden chairs.

room with white wall and wooden shelves with basket

(Image credit: Claire Lloyd Davies)

‘With the average UK home becoming smaller than ever, buyers and renters need to know what they can realistically expect to store in their homes before moving in’ says Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, the CEO of Attic Self Storage.

Related: Hallway storage ideas – to create a practical entrance that is neat and tidy

‘Our guide is aimed at helping people estimate what they will be able to fit, so they won’t be left with struggling to squeeze items into limited space’.

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.