What Is a Type C Apartment? A 2BHK Guide for Adelaide Homebuyers

Key Takeaways

• Type C apartments are mid‑size units that typically offer a 2BHK layout.
• They sit between compact Type A studios and larger Type B family units.
• In Adelaide, a Type C usually ranges from 80 m² to 110 m² and appeals to small families or professionals sharing space.
• Understanding the classification helps you compare listings, budget correctly, and avoid surprise costs.
• Legal checks like compliance with the National Construction Code and RERA guidelines are essential before signing.

When you start scrolling through property portals, you’ll often see labels such as “Type A”, “Type B” or “Type C” next to the floor plan. Those letters aren’t marketing fluff - they’re part of a housing classification system that tells you a lot about size, layout and target occupants. This article unpacks what a Type C apartment is, why it matters for anyone hunting a 2BHK in Adelaide, and how to spot the right unit without getting lost in jargon.

What Is a Type C Apartment?

A Type C apartment is a mid‑range residential unit defined by local building authorities and developers. In most Australian cities, the classification breaks down as follows:

• Type A: studio or 1‑bedroom units, generally ≤ 60 m².
• Type B: larger family‑size flats, often ≥ 110 m² with three or more bedrooms.
• Type C: the sweet spot between A and B, usually offering a 2‑bedroom (2BHK) layout and total floor area between 80 m² and 110 m².

This classification originated from the Housing classification framework used by state planning departments to standardize design, density and amenity expectations. While the exact square‑meter range can vary slightly between cities, the core idea remains the same: a Type C provides enough space for two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and often a small study or dining nook.

Housing Classification Overview

Australia’s housing market has long relied on clear categories to streamline approvals, taxation and market analysis. The classification not only influences how developers market a project but also determines which building codes apply. For example, the National Construction Code (NCC) sets different fire‑rating and accessibility requirements for Type A versus Type C units.

Understanding these distinctions helps you interpret listings accurately. A developer might label a 95 m² unit as Type C, indicating a standard 2BHK floor plan, while a “large” Type C could edge toward 110 m² and include an extra balcony or maid’s room.

Core Features of a Type C Apartment

When you walk into a Type C, you’ll typically see these elements:

1. Two separate bedrooms - each with built‑in wardrobes, enough space for a queen‑size bed, and often a small work desk.
2. Combined living‑dining area - an open‑plan space that feels roomy enough for a sofa set and a compact dining table.
3. Kitchen - either a closed galley or an open‑concept layout with a countertop bar, which is common in newer Adelaide developments.
4. One or two bathrooms - most Type C units come with a master bathroom (shower + bathtub) and a separate guest toilet.
5. Balcony or small terrace - provides outdoor space; size varies from 2 m² to 6 m².
6. Storage - built‑in linen cupboards, a Linen/utility room (sometimes shared with the building’s laundry), and parking space allocation.

In Adelaide, the average rent for a Type C sits around $420 per week (2025 data), while purchase prices hover between $450,000 and $620,000 depending on suburb, building age and view.

Comparison of Apartment Types

From the table you can see why Type C apartments are a popular choice for 2BHK seekers. They balance affordability with enough rooms for privacy, and the layout often includes a flexible study area that can double as a home office - a huge plus after the pandemic shift to remote work.

Why 2BHK Buyers Prefer Type C

Two‑bedroom units are the most requested layout in Adelaide’s rental market. The reasons are practical:

• Space for growth - A second bedroom can evolve from a child’s room to a guest room or a home office.
• Cost‑effective - Compared to a three‑bedroom Type B, a Type C saves roughly 15‑20% on rent or purchase price while still offering a dedicated sleeping area for a partner or family member.
• Resale value - 2BHK units tend to retain higher demand, meaning better long‑term investment potential.

Furthermore, many Type C projects in Adelaide incorporate communal amenities such as a rooftop garden, gym, and secure bike storage, which add lifestyle value without inflating the unit’s footprint.

Spotting a Type C in Listings

Real‑estate portals often use shorthand, so you’ll need a quick checklist to confirm you’re looking at a true Type C:

1. Check the floor area - it should fall between 80 m² and 110 m².
2. Verify the bedroom count - exactly 2 separate rooms labelled as “bedroom”.
3. Look for a floor plan image showing a clear separation of living, dining, and kitchen zones.
4. Read the description for terms like “2BHK”, “dual‑bedroom”, or “Type C”.
5. Confirm the building’s compliance statement - most new Adelaide towers publish an NCC compliance badge.

When you find a listing that ticks all the boxes, you’ve likely identified a genuine Type C unit.

Financing & Legal Basics

Before you sign a lease or a purchase contract, make sure you understand the legal framework:

• RERA guidelines - The Residential Tenancies Act (Victoria) and equivalent South Australian legislation require landlords to disclose the exact floor area, parking allocation and any service charges. Look for a document titled “RERA compliance statement”.
• Building approvals - Ensure the building’s Certificate of Occupancy cites compliance with the National Construction Code. This guarantees fire safety standards and accessibility requirements for Type C units.
• Financing options - For purchase, first‑home buyers in Adelaide can tap into the First Home Owner Grant (up to $15,000) if the property value is under $600,000. A Type C often qualifies, especially in outer‑suburban precincts.
• Strata fees - Most Type C apartments are part of a strata scheme. Review the annual budget to see what’s covered (e.g., building insurance, common‑area maintenance) and identify any upcoming special levies.

Doing this homework upfront can save you from surprise costs down the line.

Market Outlook in Adelaide

Data from the South Australian Property Council shows a steady 3.2% annual growth in median apartment prices for 2024‑2025. The demand for Type C units is driven by two trends:

• Urban densification - City‑centre precincts are being rezoned to allow higher‑density residential towers, many of which prioritize Type C layouts to meet the demand for affordable 2‑bedroom housing.
• Remote‑work lifestyle - Professionals are seeking a dedicated home office, which a second bedroom can provide without the cost of a full three‑bedroom unit.

Looking ahead, developers plan to add over 2,000 new Type C apartments across Adelaide’s inner suburbs by 2028, signalling a reliable supply for buyers and renters alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know what a Type C apartment really means, you can walk into any Adelaide property viewing with confidence, compare offers objectively, and pick the space that fits your lifestyle and budget.