Many people looking at property listings in Turkey for the first time come across terms such as 1+1, 1+2, 1+3, or even 2+5 and are not exactly sure what these numbers mean. Some assume the first number refers to the number of bedrooms, while others think it indicates the size of the property. And for some, the meaning of the “+” sign in between is completely unclear!
If you are planning to buy or rent a property in Turkey, understanding these terms is essential. A simple misunderstanding could lead you to choose a home that does not actually suit your needs.
In this article, we will explain the meaning of 1+1, 1+2, 1+3, 1+4, and even less common layouts such as 2+2 and 1+5 in a simple and practical way, with clear examples. So, the next time you browse Turkish property listings, you will know exactly what type of home you are looking at. Stay with iHomes to find out more!
What Do 1+1 and 1+2 Mean in Turkey?
Contrary to what many people think, these numbers have nothing to do with the size of the property.
In Turkey, residential properties are commonly described using a simple formula: Number of Rooms + Number of Living Rooms
In this system, the first number refers to the number of separate rooms (usually bedrooms), while the second number indicates the number of living rooms or lounges.
For example, a 1+1 apartment means:
- One separate room
- One living room
A 1+2 apartment, on the other hand, means:
- Two separate rooms
- One living room
It is that simple.
One thing many buyers do not realize at first is that the kitchen, toilet, bathroom, balcony, storage room, and hallway are not included in these numbers. In other words, if a property is described as 1+2, it naturally includes other spaces such as a kitchen and bathroom in addition to its two rooms and one living room.
A Simple Example
Imagine a property listing says:
120 m² (1+2)
This means the property has an area of 120 square meters and includes two separate rooms and one living room.
Now, another listing might also describe a property as 120 m² (1+3). This means it has the same total size as the previous property, but the interior space is divided differently. Instead of having a larger living room, the property has an additional separate room.
So, terms such as 1+1 or 1+3 only describe the property’s layout and the number of its main rooms. They do not indicate whether the property is larger or smaller.
A Common Misunderstanding:
Many people assume that 1+2 apartments are always larger than 1+1 apartments, but this is not necessarily true. A 1+1 apartment may have a larger total area than a 1+2 apartment; the difference may simply be in how the interior space is divided.
Take a look at the table below, as it may help make the concept easier to understand.
| Apartment Type | Number of Rooms | Number of Living Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| 1+1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2+1 | 2 | 1 |
| 3+1 | 3 | 1 |
| 4+1 | 4 | 1 |
What Do the Left and Right Numbers Mean in Turkish Property Listings?
If you still get a little confused when you see terms such as 1+2 or 2+3, just remember this simple rule:
- Number to the left of (+) = Number of rooms
- Number to the right of (+) = Number of living rooms
For example:
2+1 Apartment
- The number on the left (2) means two rooms
- The number on the right (1) means one living room
Or:
3+2 Apartment
- The number on the left (3) means three rooms
- The number on the right (2) means two living rooms
So, whenever you come across a property listing, simply look at the number to the left of the + sign to find out how many rooms the property has. The number on the right tells you how many living rooms it includes.
A Common Misunderstanding
Some people read 1+2 from right to left and assume it means one room and two living rooms. However, this notation follows a standard convention: the number on the left always indicates the number of rooms, while the number on the right indicates the number of living rooms, regardless of whether the listing is written in Persian or English.
Is a 1+2 Apartment in Turkey Always Larger Than a 1+1?
Not necessarily. This is one of the most common misunderstandings among homebuyers in Turkey. Many people assume that a higher number of rooms automatically means a larger property. In reality, 1+1 and 1+2 only describe the property’s main spaces and layout, not its total size. A 1+1 apartment, for example, could be around 90 m², while a 1+2 apartment might be only 80 m².
How is that possible? It is quite simple. In a 1+1 apartment, more space can be allocated to the living room and bedroom. In a 1+2 apartment, the same overall space may be divided between two separate rooms, leaving each room and even the living room smaller.
Here’s another example: imagine a 1+2 apartment measuring around 110 m², while a 1+3 apartment is around 100 m². In this case, the 1+2 apartment is actually larger than the 1+3, because less of the available space is divided between separate rooms.
So, Don’t Focus Only on Whether a Property Is 1+1 or 1+2
Before making a decision, be sure to check these factors as well:
- Gross and net area
- The apartment’s floor plan
- Living room size
- Room sizes
- Number of bathrooms and toilets
- Whether the apartment has a balcony, terrace, or storage room
A well-designed 90 m² 1+1 apartment can sometimes be much more practical and comfortable than an 80 m² 1+2 apartment.
It’s not just about the number of rooms!
Two apartments can both be 2+1 but still be completely different in terms of floor area, interior layout, room sizes, and even the position of the kitchen. That’s why, when buying a property, you should never rely only on the 2+1 designation. Always check the actual floor plan and the apartment’s total area as well.
What Is a 1+0 Apartment in Turkey?
Based on the formula explained above, a 1+0 apartment has one room and no separate living room. In Turkey, these units are generally referred to as studio apartments. They are usually compact homes that are well suited to single-person living. Instead of having separate rooms for different living areas, the main spaces are combined into one open-plan area.
Does 1+0 Mean the Apartment Has No Facilities?
Not at all. The zero simply means that there is no separate living room. A studio apartment can still be luxurious, modern, and fully equipped. The main difference is that its living space is designed as an open-plan layout.
In this regard, you can also read our related article: What Is a Studio Apartment and Who Is It Suitable For?
Now, when you come across terms such as 1+1, 1+2, or 2+3 in Turkish property listings, you’ll know exactly what they mean, and these numbers won’t be confusing anymore. Just remember that these terms describe the number of rooms and living rooms, not the property’s size or floor area. When choosing an apartment, always look beyond the room configuration and consider the total area, interior layout, natural light, and available facilities to make sure the property truly suits your needs and lifestyle.
If you have any questions about buying or renting property in Turkey, feel free to contact the iHomes team. We’re always happy to help and guide you through the process.
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