When you’re in the process of purchasing or renting a property, whether it’s an apartment or a commercial space, one of the most crucial factors to understand is the area measurement. You’ll often come across terms like built-up area, carpet area, and super built-up area. While these terms are commonly used in real estate transactions, they can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the technicalities. In this blog, we’ll break down these terms to help you understand the differences clearly.
1. Carpet Area: The Actual Usable Space
Carpet area refers to the actual usable space within the walls of an apartment or property. It includes all areas where you can lay a carpet, such as the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms. This is the space where you can place your furniture and live comfortably.
Key Features of Carpet Area:
- The carpet area does not include the thickness of the walls, balconies, or other common areas.
- It gives you an idea of how much usable living space you will actually get.
- This is often the most important measurement when evaluating the size of an apartment for personal use.
Example: If an apartment has a carpet area of 800 sq. ft., this is the total area where you can place your furniture and live, excluding walls and external features.
2. Built-Up Area: Space Including Walls
Built-up area includes the carpet area plus the thickness of the walls around the apartment or unit. Additionally, it may also include areas like balconies, terraces, and other spaces that are not entirely usable but are part of the overall construction.
Key Features of Built-Up Area:
- It includes the thickness of walls (both internal and external).
- Balconies, verandas, and any non-livable spaces (that are included in the overall construction) are part of the built-up area.
- The built-up area is usually larger than the carpet area, as it includes the space occupied by walls and other construction elements.
Example: If the carpet area is 800 sq. ft., and the walls and balcony add 100 sq. ft., the built-up area would be 900 sq. ft.
3. Super Built-Up Area: The Total Area of the Unit, Including Shared Spaces
Super built-up area is the total area of your unit—this includes the built-up area plus a proportionate share of the common areas within the building, such as the lobby, elevator shaft, staircases, swimming pool, garden area, parking space, and other amenities. This is the area that builders usually refer to when marketing the property, as it represents the total space you will be paying for, including both your exclusive and shared areas.
Key Features of Super Built-Up Area:
- It includes your built-up area as well as a share of the common areas within the building or complex.
- This is the measurement used by builders and developers to calculate the sale price of the property.
- It can often be misleading for buyers, as it doesn’t always directly correspond to the usable area you will be living in.
Example: If your built-up area is 900 sq. ft., and the shared spaces (like corridors, elevators, and lobby) account for 150 sq. ft., your super built-up area would be 1,050 sq. ft.
Summary: The Key Differences
| Term | Description | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Actual usable area inside the apartment | Rooms, kitchen, bathroom, and other usable spaces |
| Built-Up Area | Carpet area + thickness of walls + balconies (if applicable) | Carpet area, walls, balconies, and terraces |
| Super Built-Up Area | Built-up area + proportionate share of common areas | Built-up area + common areas like elevators, parking, and amenities |
Which Area Should You Focus On?
- Carpet Area is the most important for personal use, as it tells you how much living space you can actually use.
- Built-Up Area gives a clearer picture of the total space that is physically part of the apartment, but it includes non-livable space like walls and balconies.
- Super Built-Up Area is typically used for pricing and is often what builders and developers highlight in their advertisements. However, it can be less useful for determining how much usable space you’ll actually have in day-to-day life.
When considering a property, it’s important to know these measurements so you can make an informed decision, especially when comparing different properties or calculating costs. Always ask the developer or real estate agent to clarify the area measurements to avoid any surprises.
Final Thoughts
Buying or renting a property is a significant financial commitment, and understanding the different area measurements is key to ensuring you get the space you need. Knowing the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area will give you a clearer picture of the property you’re eyeing and help you make the best decision.
Happy house hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding these real estate terms, helping you further clarify any doubts you may have:
1. What is the most important area measurement when buying a property?
The carpet area is usually the most important measurement for buyers because it represents the actual usable space inside your apartment. It’s where you will live and place your furniture. Builders often focus on super built-up area, but as a buyer, carpet area gives a more accurate idea of how much usable space you’re getting.
2. Does the super built-up area include parking spaces?
Yes, the super built-up area can include a proportionate share of parking spaces, along with other common areas like elevators, lobbies, staircases, and amenities (e.g., gardens, pools). However, the extent to which parking is included can vary based on the project and developer.
3. Why is the built-up area higher than the carpet area?
The built-up area includes the carpet area along with the thickness of walls (internal and external) and additional areas like balconies and terraces. These elements add space to the overall measurement, so the built-up area will always be larger than the carpet area.
4. Can I negotiate based on the carpet area or built-up area?
When negotiating, it’s better to focus on the carpet area since it represents the actual space you’ll be using. However, most pricing is done on the super built-up area, which includes the shared spaces in the building or complex. If you feel the shared areas are taking up too much of the cost, you can try negotiating the price per square foot of the super built-up area.
5. How do I calculate the carpet area of an apartment?
The carpet area is calculated by measuring the inside walls of the apartment, excluding the thickness of the walls, common spaces, or any balconies. It is simply the area where you can place carpets or furniture.
6. Is there any law governing how these areas should be calculated?
Yes, in India, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has set guidelines to standardize the way these areas are calculated and communicated to consumers. Under RERA, developers must provide clear and accurate information on carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area in their marketing materials, and the carpet area is what’s primarily considered when determining a property’s pricing.
7. Does the super built-up area include the common areas inside the building?
Yes, the super built-up area includes your individual unit’s built-up area plus a proportionate share of the common areas in the building, such as the lobby, elevator shafts, staircases, garden, and any other shared spaces. It’s the total area you’re paying for, even though you don’t exclusively use the common areas.
8. Is it possible to find out the exact super built-up area from the developer?
Yes, developers are required by law (under RERA guidelines) to provide detailed breakdowns of the carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. Ensure that the developer gives you a clear explanation of the measurements before making any payments.
9. Should I rely on the builder’s claims for area measurements?
While builders usually provide the measurements for super built-up area, built-up area, and carpet area, it’s important to verify them through official documents or even a site visit. You can request a detailed floor plan or get the area measurements cross-checked to ensure they are accurate.
10. Can the price per square foot differ based on carpet area, built-up area, or super built-up area?
Yes, the price per square foot can vary based on which area is being used for pricing. Typically, developers quote prices based on the super built-up area, which includes a share of common areas, so you’re paying for more than just your exclusive living space.
Understanding these terms and measurements will give you better insight into the property you’re interested in, helping you to avoid confusion and make more informed decisions.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or real estate advice. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date details regarding the terms carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area, the definitions and practices can vary depending on the region, country, or specific development project.
We recommend that you consult with a qualified real estate professional, legal expert, or property developer to obtain precise measurements and guidance before making any real estate decisions. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information presented.
Always verify area measurements, terms, and contractual details with the relevant authorities or developers involved in your property transaction to ensure clarity and avoid any misunderstandings.
