“The key to making money in real estate is knowledge.” – Robert Kiyosaki
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. Understanding the different measurements used in real estate—like carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area—is crucial. Let’s dive into these terms to help you make an informed decision.
In the bustling world of Indian real estate, knowing the terminology is half the battle. Carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area are terms you’ll encounter frequently. They define the different ways to measure a property’s space and value. This guide breaks down each term, showing you how they’re calculated and why they matter.
In India, real estate transactions often revolve around these measurements. Builders and developers quote prices based on these areas, and buyers often find themselves confused by the differences. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of these concepts, empowering you to make smarter investment decisions.
1. What Is Carpet Area?
The carpet area is the space within a property that you can use. It does not include the thickness of inner walls, balconies, and common areas. Imagine laying out a carpet—every inch it covers defines your carpet area. This area includes bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms but excludes the thickness of the inner walls and any common areas.
This metric is vital for buyers and reveals the truly usable space in a home. Understanding carpet areas helps you make informed decisions, ensuring you get what you pay for.
1.A. Formula To Calculate Carpet Area
Total Carpet Area= Total Built-up Area − Area of Walls and Utility Spaces
This formula helps you determine the space where you can place furniture and move around freely.
1.B. Example Of Carpet Area Calculation
Imagine your apartment has a total area of 1000 SqFt. If the walls and utility spaces take up 200 SqFt, the carpet area would be:
Carpet Area = 1000 SqFt − 200 SqFt = 800 SqFt
In this example, 800 SqFt is the space you can use and furnish, making it a critical figure in evaluating the property’s functionality.
Let’s break down the above calculation for a better understanding!
Consider a prospective homebuyer, Maya, who is looking for a new apartment. She comes across a listing for a 2BHK (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hall, and kitchen) apartment of 1000 SqFt with the following configurations:
– Bedrooms: 2 (150 SqFt each)
– Bathrooms: 2 (50 SqFt each)
– Hall: 1 (300 SqFt)
– Kitchen: 1 (100 SqFt)
– Area of Walls and Utility Spaces (200 SqFt)
Total Built-up Area= 1000 SqFt
Now, deduct the common areas, inner walls, balconies, etc. from the total built-up area to get the Carpet Area or Total Usable Area:
Carpet area = Total built-up area – Common areas
Carpet area = 1,000 SqFt – 200 SqFt = 800 SqFt
So, the carpet area of the apartment is 800 SqFt, ensuring Maya knows the actual usable space she’s paying for. Understanding this breakdown empowers homebuyers like Maya to make informed decisions in the Indian real estate market.
The other way of calculating the Carpet Area is to add all the usable spaces like the size of Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Hall, Kitchen, etc.
1.C. Importance Of Carpet Area
The carpet area is important because it tells you how much usable space you have. When comparing properties, focusing on the carpet area helps you understand the real living space you’re getting. This measurement is particularly crucial in densely populated urban areas where every square foot matters.
Knowing the carpet area helps you:
– Evaluate the actual usable/livable space.
– Compare different properties effectively.
– Plan your interior design and furniture layout.
In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where space is at a premium, understanding the carpet area can significantly impact your buying decision.
Read More: City Limits- Floor Space Index (FSI) In Indian Real Estate
2. What Is Built-up Area?
The built-up area refers to the total area encompassing all spaces within the walls of a property, including the carpet area plus the thickness of the walls and other spaces like balconies. It gives a fuller picture of the property’s size, providing an overall measurement of the space. Understanding the built-up area is crucial for buyers to gauge the total size of a property and to differentiate it from the carpet area, which specifically refers to the usable space within the property.
2.A. Formula To Calculate Built-up Area
Total Built-up Area = Carpet Area + Area of Walls + Balcony and Utility Spaces
This formula accounts for all the constructed spaces within the property boundaries.
2.B. Example Of Built-up Area Calculation
Understanding the built-up area in real estate involves a detailed breakdown of each configuration within a property.
Let’s break down the built-up area using a hypothetical example for a better understanding.
Consider a 2BHK (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hall, and kitchen) apartment with the following configurations:
1. Bedrooms: Let’s assume each bedroom occupies 200 SqFt.
Total area for bedrooms = 2 bedrooms × 200 SqFt/bedroom = 400 SqFt.
2. Bathrooms: Let’s assume each bathroom occupies 50 SqFt.
Total area for bathrooms = 2 bathrooms × 50 SqFt/bathroom = 100 SqFt.
3. Hall: Suppose the hall measures 300 SqFt.
4. Kitchen: Let’s say the kitchen occupies 150 SqFt.
5. Common Areas: 250 SqFt.
Total usable area = Bedrooms + Bathrooms + Hall + Kitchen
Total usable area = 400 SqFt + 100 SqFt + 300 SqFt + 150 SqFt = 950 SqFt.
Now, considering common areas like balconies, corridors, and walls, let’s allocate 250 SqFt.
Total built-up area = Total usable area + Common areas
Total built-up area = 950 SqFt + 250 SqFt = 1,200 SqFt
In this example, the built-up area comprises both the usable space (bedrooms, hall, and kitchen) and common areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of the property’s size.
2.C. Importance Of Built-up Area
The built-up area helps you understand the total footprint of the property. It’s crucial for determining the overall space and planning your layout. This measurement includes both usable and non-usable spaces, such as walls and balconies, providing a complete picture of the property’s size.
Understanding the built-up area is essential for:
– Accurate property valuation.
– Comparing properties with different layouts.
– Understanding the space taken up by structural elements.
Builders often use the built-up area to calculate construction costs and price the property accordingly.
Read More: Floor Rise Charges (FRC)- The Vertical Economy Of Real Estate
3. What Is Super Built-up Area?
Super built-up area refers to the total area encompassing the built-up area of a property along with a proportionate share of common spaces such as Corridors, Clubhouse, Staircases, Lifts, Swimming Pool, Gym, Lobby, Pipe, Air Ducts, Garden, etc.
It includes all areas beyond the individual unit’s walls, providing a comprehensive measurement of the entire property including shared facilities. Understanding the super built-up area is crucial for buyers as it helps them assess the total cost of ownership including their share of common areas and amenities. This concept is particularly prevalent in multi-unit residential complexes and commercial buildings.
3.A. Formula To Calculate Super Built-up Area
Super Built-up Area = Built-up Area + Proportionate Share of Common Areas
or
Super Built-up area = Carpet area x (1 + Loading Factor)
This formula adds a share of the common areas to the built-up area, reflecting the total saleable space.
3.B. Example Of Super Built-Up Area Calculation
If your share of the common area is 200 SqFt and the built-up area is 1000 SqFt, then the super built-up area is:
Super Built-up Area = 200 SqFt + 1,000 SqFt = 1,200 SqFt
This example shows how common areas contribute to the total saleable area, affecting the price and perceived value of the property.
3.C. Importance Of Super Built-up Area
The super built-up area is crucial for pricing properties. It includes common amenities, giving you a complete picture of what you’re paying for. Developers often use this measurement to justify the cost of shared facilities and amenities.
Knowing the super built-up area helps you:
– Understand the total space you’re paying for.
– Compare the cost and benefits of different properties.
– Assess the value of shared amenities.
This measurement is particularly important in residential complexes with extensive common facilities, as it impacts both the cost and the value proposition of the property.
4. What Is Loading Factor?
In Indian real estate, the loading factor plays a significant role in determining the total cost of a property and understanding the utilization of space within a building. Loading factor refers to the percentage of common areas, amenities, and facilities added to the built-up area of individual units in a residential or commercial complex. These common spaces may include corridors, lobbies, staircases, elevators, recreational areas, and parking facilities.
The loading factor is typically applied to the built-up area to calculate the super built-up area, which represents the total area including both the individual unit’s space and the proportionate share of common areas. This concept is essential for buyers as it helps them understand the overall value proposition of a property and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the space they are purchasing.
4.A. Formula To Calculate Loading Factor In Real Estate
Loading Factor (%) = (Total Super Built-up Area – Total Built-up Area) / Total Built-up Area × 100
Loading Factor = (Total Super Built-up Area – Total Built-up Area) / Total Built-up Area
Where,
Total Super Built-up Area: The total area including both the individual unit’s built-up area and the proportionate share of common areas and amenities.
Total Built-up Area: The area encompassing the built-up space of individual units, excluding common areas.
This formula quantifies the percentage of additional space, beyond the built-up area of individual units, that is attributed to common areas, amenities, and facilities within a residential or commercial complex. Understanding this loading factor aids buyers in assessing the overall utilization of space within a property and evaluating its cost-effectiveness.
A high loading factor indicates that a significant portion of the area is taken up by common spaces, which might affect your decision if you prioritize usable living space.
Note: The loading factor in Indian real estate typically falls within the range of 15% to 50%, varying based on the builder, specific location, and prevailing market conditions. However, the ideal Loading Factor in the apartments should be below 30%.
Read More: Own it, Secure it- Title Deed Decoded In Indian Real Estate
5. Frequently Asked Questions
I. Which is greater, the built-up area or the carpet area?
The built-up area is always greater than the carpet area because it includes the thickness of the walls and other spaces like balconies. The built-up area provides a more comprehensive view of the property’s size, while the carpet area focuses on the usable living space.
Understanding the distinction between built-up area and carpet area helps you:
– Recognize the difference in measurements and their implications.
– Assess the total constructed space versus usable space.
– Make informed comparisons between different properties.
II. Can a builder charge for a super built-up area?
In India, it was once common for builders to charge for the super built-up area along with the actual built-up area. However, regulations such as those set by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) now strictly prohibit this practice. According to RERA rules, charging for flats based on the super built-up area is deemed illegal and can result in penalties for the builder. This shift towards transparency and fairness in pricing ensures that buyers are not unfairly burdened with costs for shared spaces and amenities.
III. Is a balcony included in a built-up area?
Yes, balconies are included in the built-up area along with the carpet area and the area occupied by walls. Including balconies in the built-up area provides a more accurate representation of the property’s total constructed space.
Understanding the inclusion of balconies in the built-up area helps you:
– Recognize the total footprint of the property.
– Compare properties with different outdoor spaces.
– Evaluate the value of balconies and other semi-open spaces.
IV. Does the built-up area include all floors?
The built-up area usually refers to the area within one floor. For multi-floor properties, each floor’s built-up area is calculated separately. Understanding this for each floor helps you get a comprehensive view of the property’s total constructed space.
Understanding the built-up area across floors helps you:
– Evaluate the total constructed space in multi-floor properties.
– Compare properties with different floor layouts.
– Plan the usage and design of each floor effectively.
6. Conclusion
Understanding carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area is essential when buying property. These measurements help you gauge the usable space, total property size, and overall value. By knowing these terms, you can make smarter, more informed decisions in the Indian real estate market.
In conclusion, always ask for the carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area when considering a property. These figures will help you understand what you’re getting and ensure you make the best investment possible. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the real estate landscape and make choices that suit your needs and budget.
By mastering these concepts, you not only enhance your real estate knowledge but also empower yourself to navigate the property market with confidence and clarity.
Happy house hunting!
