I’ve been writing about UK property for long enough to notice a pattern that rarely gets mentioned in the glossy brochures. When people buy an apartment, they obsess over square footage, the kitchen finish, and the view from the living room. The balcony — if there is one — gets treated as a nice bonus. But I’ve seen too many buyers realise, six months in, that a balcony that looked fine on paper is practically unusable. And by then, you’re stuck with it.
Apartments now account for 22% of all new build completions in England — up from 18% in 2022. In London, that figure jumps to 58%. With nearly half of apartment buyers being first-time buyers, a lot of people are making this decision for the first time, without knowing what questions to ask. Balcony size is one of those questions. Here’s what you actually need to know.
What “balcony size” actually means in a UK apartment
The most important thing to understand is that developers often measure balcony area in a way that flatters the number. A balcony might be listed as 5 square metres, but if it’s a narrow strip 6 metres long and less than a metre wide, you can’t put a table and two chairs on it. You can barely turn around. The usable width is what matters, not the total area.
I always tell people to bring a tape measure to the viewing. Stand on the balcony. Can two people sit comfortably? Can you open the door without the furniture blocking it? If the answer is no, that balcony is decorative, not functional. And you’re still paying for it through your service charge.
Why balcony size affects your daily life and your finances
This isn’t just about having somewhere to put a plant pot. A genuinely usable balcony extends your living space by several months of the year. In a city apartment where internal square footage is tight, that extra room matters. On the financial side, apartments with decent outdoor space tend to rent faster and sell for more. But the reverse is also true: a balcony that’s too small to use is a liability, not an asset.
Consider the numbers. The average new build flat in England costs £298,500. In London, that rises to around £485,000. You’re paying a significant sum for every square metre. If your balcony is unusable, you’ve effectively paid for space you can’t enjoy. Meanwhile, service charges for apartments run between £1,800 and £4,500 a year — and that covers balcony maintenance, whether you use it or not.
What I’d do: before making an offer, calculate the cost per square metre of the apartment, then apply it to the balcony area. If you’re paying £5,000 for a balcony you’ll never sit on, that’s money better spent on a larger internal room or a better location.
Where buyers go wrong with balcony decisions
I’ve seen the same mistakes come up again and again. Here are the most common ones, and how to avoid them.
Trusting the floor plan without measuring
Floor plans are not to scale in the way you expect. Developers sometimes draw balconies optimistically, or omit the fact that a structural pillar or an air conditioning unit takes up half the space. Always measure the actual depth and width yourself. A balcony that looks generous on paper can be a tight squeeze in reality.
Ignoring orientation and wind
A south-facing balcony sounds ideal until you realise it gets blasted by direct sun all afternoon with no shade. A north-facing balcony might be cool and pleasant in summer but unusable for nine months of the year. Wind tunnel effects between buildings can make even a large balcony unpleasant. Visit the property at different times of day and in different weather if you can.
Overlooking privacy and overlooking
Some balconies are positioned so that neighbours can see directly into them — or worse, directly into your living room through the balcony door. Check what’s opposite. If there’s another balcony two metres away, you won’t get much use out of yours without feeling watched. Privacy matters more than most buyers realise.
Not checking lease restrictions on balcony use
This is the one that catches people out most often. Some leases prohibit barbecues, potted plants, furniture, or even drying clothes on the balcony. Others require that nothing is visible from the outside, which effectively means you can’t use it for anything. Always ask your solicitor to check the lease for balcony clauses before you exchange contracts. If you need help reviewing the terms, a property lawyer can go through the fine print with you.
What I’d do: ask the estate agent directly whether there are any restrictions on balcony use. If they hesitate or give a vague answer, that’s a red flag. Follow up with your solicitor.
How to choose an apartment with a balcony that actually works
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Measure the usable depth and width yourself
Bring a tape measure. Stand on the balcony. Picture a small bistro table and two chairs — that needs at least 1.5 metres of depth and 2 metres of width. If you can’t fit that comfortably, the balcony is decorative. Also check the door: a sliding door takes up less internal space than a hinged one, which matters in a small room.
Check the balcony’s structural condition
If the balcony is concrete, look for cracks, rust stains, or pooling water. If it’s a Juliet balcony (a railing with no floor space), it doesn’t count as usable outdoor space at all — don’t let the developer market it as one. For timber or composite decking, check for rot or warping. A surveyor should include the balcony in their inspection, but it’s worth looking yourself.
Consider the building’s balcony maintenance history
Ask the management company or residents’ association about recent balcony repairs. Waterproofing failures are common and expensive to fix. If the building has a history of balcony leaks, you could face a large special assessment bill. This is especially relevant given that build-to-rent now accounts for 34% of new apartment completions — up from 22% in 2022 — and maintenance standards vary widely between developers.
Think about how you’ll actually use the space
Do you want to eat outside? Grow plants? Let a dog out? Store a bicycle? Each use has different space requirements. A balcony that works for a morning coffee might not work for a summer dinner party. Be honest with yourself about how you’ll use it, and choose accordingly. If you’re buying in a city like Manchester, where apartments account for 45% of new builds and average prices are £265,000, a usable balcony can be a real differentiator.
What I’d do: make a list of the three things you most want to do on the balcony. Take that list to the viewing. If the balcony can’t accommodate all three, it’s not the right one.
Frequently asked questions about apartment balconies
Can I negotiate a lower price if the balcony is too small to use? ▾
Do I need planning permission to enclose a balcony? ▾
What’s the minimum balcony size for a table and chairs? ▾
Are Juliet balconies worth anything? ▾
Who is responsible for balcony repairs — me or the freeholder? ▾
Balcony size matters more than most buyers realise. It affects your daily comfort, your service charges, and your property’s resale value. Measure it yourself, check the lease, and be honest about how you’ll use it. If this was useful, you might also want to read Buying an Apartment in the UK: What to Keep in Mind.
Sources and Further Reading
Understanding Apartment Resale Transaction Fees in the UK — A practical guide to the costs you’ll face when selling, including fees that can catch you off guard.
Is Shared Ownership Worth It? A UK Apartment Buyer’s Honest Assessment — An honest look at whether shared ownership makes financial sense for apartment buyers.
New Build Apartment Market Trends and Buyer Preferences. New Builds, 2026.
Private Rent and House Prices, UK: May 2026. Office for National Statistics, 2026.
