New generation of boarding houses across Sydney are unrecognisable By Sharon Labi But the new generation boarding house is unrecognisable, taking hold across every Sydney suburb. It's estimated between 500 and 600 development applications for boarding houses are currently before Sydney councils. READ MORE: A photo of the city skyline in Sydney.(Bloomberg) And the bulk look just like a brand new strata apartment block, complete with intercom, security cameras, balconies and an underground car park. The difference is your bedroom, living area, and sometimes a small bathroom or basic kitchen facility are all in the one room measuring anywhere between 12 square metres and 25 square metres.