Amsterdam residents have on average 49 square metres in which to live, well below the national average of 65 m2, according to the national statistics office CBS.

Couples without children fare even worse, having only 40 m2 per person in the capital city.  Childless couples elsewhere in the country have 60% more room the CBS said.

Two-thirds of all Amsterdammers live in homes which are smaller than 75m2 and only 3% have homes bigger than 150 m2.  The national average is 25% and 17% respectively.

The difference between Amsterdam and the rest of the country has a lot to do with age, the CBS said. Large cities attract young people, students and starters, all of whom live alone and prices are higher.  The trade-off between the two, the CBS said, is measured in square metres.

Nevertheless, property developers in the city are keen to develop ever smaller housing units, or micro-apartments, for youngsters.

Micro-apartments usually measure between 29m2 and 32m2, or the size of a large master bedroom in a more traditional home. Nevertheless, all are equipped with a kitchen, toilet and shower and come complete with shared facilities such as a launderette, cafe and even guest accommodation.