Do you know the Difference between Build up Area & Carpet Area?

When buying a home or property, one of the most confusing aspects for many buyers is understanding the terms “carpet area,” “built-up area,” and “super built-up area.” These terms are crucial because they directly affect the size of the property you’re purchasing, as well as its pricing. Developers often market properties based on super built-up area, while the usable space you get (the carpet area) is much smaller. Understanding these terms is vital to making informed decisions, ensuring you get the value you’re paying for.

What is Carpet Area?

The carpet area refers to the actual usable space within the walls of your apartment or home. It’s the area where you can lay down a carpet, hence the term “carpet area.” This includes the space within rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies, but excludes the thickness of inner walls, common areas like lifts, staircases, and corridors. According to RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), developers are now required to disclose the carpet area of a property, making it easier for buyers to know the actual usable space they’re paying for.

Formula: Carpet Area = Total Area – Area of Walls and Common Areas

What is Built-up Area?

The built-up area includes the carpet area along with the thickness of the walls and other spaces like the balcony. It is typically around 10-15% larger than the carpet area, as it accounts for walls, doors, and any semi-usable spaces such as balconies or terraces that are part of the apartment. While it gives a more comprehensive picture of the space you’re getting, it still doesn’t include shared spaces like staircases or lobbies.

Formula: Built-up Area = Carpet Area + Area of Walls + Area of Balcony/Terrace

What is Super Built-up Area?

Super built-up area, also known as the “saleable area,” includes the built-up area plus a proportionate share of the common areas in the building. This could include staircases, lobbies, lifts, and corridors. Essentially, it’s the entire area a developer might use to determine the selling price of a flat. Many developers advertise properties based on the super built-up area, which gives the impression of a larger space but includes common areas that you don’t exclusively own.

Formula: Super Built-up Area = Built-up Area + Proportionate Share of Common Areas

Why Do These Terms Matter?

Understanding these different terms is important because they directly impact both the cost of the property and the amount of space you actually get. For example, if a developer quotes a price based on the super built-up area, you might end up paying more per square foot than you would if the price was based on carpet area. By being aware of these distinctions, you can better evaluate the true value of the property and avoid being misled by inflated numbers.

How RERA Regulates Carpet Area Disclosures

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) has made it mandatory for developers to clearly state the carpet area in all property transactions. This ensures transparency in real estate dealings, making it easier for homebuyers to know exactly what they’re paying for. Under RERA, developers can no longer market properties based solely on the super built-up area without also disclosing the actual carpet area. This has been a welcome move, protecting buyers from misleading claims about property sizes.

Tips for Homebuyers: What to Ask Developers

1. Ask for Carpet Area: Ensure that the developer clearly states the carpet area in square feet or square meters. This will help you understand the actual usable space you’re getting.
2. Compare Properties: Don’t just compare the total price of properties—compare the price per square foot based on carpet area to get a true sense of value.
3. Clarify Super Built-up Area: Ask the developer to explain how much of the super built-up area is allocated to common areas. This will give you an idea of how much space is actually yours.
4. Check for RERA Compliance: Always check if the project is registered under RERA, as this will ensure that the builder is following the legal requirements for area disclosure.

Conclusion: Know What You’re Paying For

Understanding the differences between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area can make a significant difference when buying a property. By being informed, you can ensure that you are not overpaying for the actual usable space and can better compare different properties. Thanks to RERA, there is now greater transparency in real estate transactions, but it’s still crucial for homebuyers to ask the right questions and do their research to get the best value for their investment.