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The Difference between Carpet, Built-up, and Super Built-up Areas: A Homebuyer’s Guide

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head when a developer started throwing around terms like RERA carpet area and built-up area calculations? It can feel like an added hassle, especially after you’ve already tackled the challenges of choosing the perfect location, builder, and budget. 

When it comes to buying or renting a property, it’s crucial to understand the terminology associated with different types of areas. Three terms that often cause confusion are Carpet Area, Built-up Area, and Super Built-up Area. Each of these represents a distinct measurement and plays a significant role in determining the value and utility of a property. In this blog, we will delve into the details of these three areas to help you make informed decisions in the real estate market.

Carpet Area

The foremost consideration when purchasing an apartment is comprehending the concept of carpet area. Let’s delve into its actual meaning. The Carpet Area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of the property. It encompasses all the spaces that can be covered by a carpet. This area includes the living spaces, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms. However, it excludes the thickness of the inner walls. In simpler terms, Carpet Area is the space where you can physically place a carpet.

Understanding the Carpet Area is crucial as it directly impacts the liveability and functionality of a property. It gives you an accurate representation of the space available for your day-to-day activities.

Carpet area = Bedroom area + Living room area + Balcony area + Toilet area – Inner wall thickness.

What does the term “RERA Carpet Area” refer to?

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Carpet Area refers to the net usable floor area within the walls of an apartment, excluding the area covered by the external walls, balconies, and common areas. It is the actual area available for use within the confines of the apartment and is a crucial metric for property buyers and sellers as it provides a standardized measure of the usable space in a real estate property. This measurement excludes areas covered by external walls, service shafts, private balconies, and exclusive terrace spaces.

Before the RERA Act came into effect, many builders typically emphasized the built-up or super-built area when presenting a property, neglecting to mention the carpet area.

It’s important for buyers to be aware that they have the right to request a refund if the stated carpet area differs from the actual measurement upon project completion. If there’s an increase in the carpet area, they will be charged accordingly. However, according to RERA regulations, any expansion of the carpet area cannot surpass 3%.

Calculating the RERA carpet area involves a straightforward process where it constitutes 70% of the total built-up area.

What Constitutes the Built-up Area?

The built-up or plinth area encompasses the carpeted space along with additional enclosed spaces within the apartment’s walls. These additional areas include balconies, terraces, mezzanine floors, and the utility area. Typically, the built-up area tends to be approximately 10-15% larger than the carpet area.

The value of the built-up area plays a pivotal role in determining the actual usable space.

Built-up Area includes the Carpet Area along with other areas that are covered by walls, such as the thickness of the inner and outer walls, balconies, and terraces. Essentially, it is the area that you ‘build up’ by adding the carpet area to all the spaces that are enclosed by walls.

Built-up Area helps in determining the total space that you will be paying for. It is essential for estimating construction costs and property valuations. 

To find your built-up area value, apply the following formula:

Built-up area = Carpet area + wall area + balcony area

What is a Super Built-Up Area?

Super Built-up Area is the sum total of the Built-up Area plus common spaces like the lobby, corridors, staircases, and amenities like the garden, swimming pool, gym, etc. Essentially, it includes the shared spaces and facilities that are available to all residents. This value typically ranges from 25% to 60% of the carpet area. However, it excludes spaces like open-air swimming pools, compound walls, driveways, parks, play areas, outdoor sports facilities, inaccessible garden spots, water tanks, septic tanks, and underground sinks.

While Super Built-up Area provides an overview of the entire project, it’s crucial to note that you’re not paying for this area on an individual basis. It’s a collective measurement for the entire building or project.

As a potential homebuyer, it’s crucial to understand that a larger super built-up area doesn’t necessarily translate to more usable space inside the apartment. It’s important to ensure that the loading factor for a luxury apartment stays below 60%. Anything higher would mean a larger super built-up area but a smaller carpet area, resulting in a living space with less room. Builders may employ diverse calculation methods when determining built-up and super built-up areas. Some base their measurements on the outer dimensions of the walls, while others use centerline measurements. This lack of standardization can cause confusion. It’s imperative for buyers to inquire about the calculation method used and, if feasible, seek professional advice to ensure accuracy.

The cost of amenities and shared facilities is distributed among all units in super built-up areas. This can result in disparities in the overall ownership cost relative to the actual space acquired. When evaluating a property, it’s important to assess the value of these amenities to ensure you are comfortable with the cost distribution.

How to Use These Areas to Your Advantage

Evaluate your Needs: Understanding these areas helps you determine if the property meets your requirements. For instance, if you need a specific amount of actual living space, you should focus on the Carpet Area.

Comparing Properties: When comparing properties, ensure you’re comparing apples to apples. If one property has a higher Super Built-up Area, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting more livable space.

Budgeting: Knowing the Built-up Area helps you calculate the cost per square foot, which is crucial for budgeting and comparing prices.

Legal Implications: Different regions may have varying regulations regarding these measurements. It’s important to be aware of local norms and ensure that the developer adheres to them.

Resale Value: Understanding these areas can also affect the resale value of the property. Buyers are often more interested in the Carpet Area as it directly impacts their living space.

In conclusion, being well-informed about Carpet Area, Built-up Area, and Super Built-up Area is essential for making a wise investment in real estate. It ensures that you get the space you need at a fair price. 

Ultimately, familiarizing yourself with these terms empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your preferences and budget. Given that purchasing a property is a substantial investment, comprehending the nuances of carpet, built-up, and super built-up areas ensures you receive optimal value for your hard-earned money.

TRU Dwellings has proven to be an astute decision for those seeking a harmonious blend of ample living space and an intelligently designed floor plan. We commitment to maximizing usable area while maintaining a seamless flow throughout the residence is evident in every square foot, living environment that exudes spaciousness, providing residents with a liberating sense of freedom and comfort. For more details contact at 9986559998 or visit www.Trudwellings.com