If you are a new homebuyer finding it challenging to understand the real estate jargon, this article is just for you.
Here, we will help you comprehend some standard terms your broker has been talking to you about lately. After all, you must be aware of everything related to the property you may purchase.
In this article, we will clarify the differences between the three commonly used real estate jargons such as carpet area, the built-up area and the super built-up area:
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Carpet Area
In simplest terms, a carpet area is an area that a carpet can cover. The meaning of carpet area is the wall to wall distance which makes the net usable floor area of the house. The carpet Area does not include the thickness of the inner walls, space used in building the lobby, play area, stairs, etc. Usually, the carpet area constitutes around 70% of the built up area encompassing the bedrooms, living room, kitchen, inner staircases (if any) and other rooms. So if your broker says that the property has a built-up area of 1600 sqft, it means that the carpet area is approximately 1120 sqft.
Formula to calculate carpet area:
Carpet area = Area of living room + bedroom + balconies + toilets – thickness of inner walls.
Built-up area
Built-up area is the sum of the carpet area and the thickness of the walls of the dwelling unit. Balcony and terrace area are also calculated as a part of the built-up area.
Formula to calculate the built-up area
Built-up area = Carpet area+ thickness of the walls+ balcony area
Super built-up area
Super built-up area refers to the total sum of the built-up area and the space that has been occupied by the common areas such as staircase, lobby, elevator, clubhouse, shafts, etc. Super built-up area is also referred to as the “saleable area” on which the developers usually base the final charge.
Formula to calculate the super built-up area:
Super built-up area = Built-up area + proportionate common area
Or
Super built-up area = Carpet area (1+loading factor)
What is the Difference Between Carpet Area Built-up Area and Super Built-up Area?
A simple table to understand the difference between carpet area, built-up area and super built-up area:
carpet area vs built-up area vs super built-up area
|
Area Type |
Carpet Area | Built-up Area | Super built-up Area |
| Living room/Hall | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bedroom | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kitchen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Room | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bathroom | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Study room | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pooja room | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Balcony | No | Yes | Yes |
| Utility areas | No | Yes | Yes |
| Staircase (inside the house) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Staircase (outside the home) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Terrace | No | Yes | Yes |
| Verandah | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lift | No | No | Yes |
| Lobby | No | No | Yes |
| Garden | No | No | Yes |
| Swimming pool | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Apart from the Super built-up area, is there any other factor that decides the price of the flat/apartment?
The loading factor is the proportionate share of the joint space in an apartment computed by adding a multiplier (1.25) to the carpet area. This equates to a 25% or 30% increase in total saleable area. Its value is determined by subtracting the super built-up area from the carpet area. Many developers base the price of the unit on the loading factor.
What is the definition of carpet area under RERA?
RERA defines carpet area as “The net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding the area covered by the external walls, areas under services shafts, exclusive balcony or verandah area and exclusive open terrace area, but includes the area covered by the internal partition walls of the apartment.”
Can I ask my real estate agent to tell me about the carpet area instead of the total built-up area he told me about?
As per the guidelines by RERA, the developers must disclose the carpet area and calculate the sale price according to the same. Therefore, even your agent needs to tell you the carpet area. If you think there is something wrong, make sure to get the carpet area to recalculate to prevent yourself from being overcharged.
Can I refuse to pay for an increase in the carpet area?
If the carpet area of the dwelling unit increases due to some circumstances, the builders can ask for more money. Under the provisions set by RERA, a buyer is liable to pay for an increase in the carpet area.
Is the toilet included in the carpet area?
Yes, the bathrooms and the toilets are included in the carpet area.
Does the built-up area include parking?
Parking is an amenity offered by the society/flat; hence it cannot be added in the super built-up area.
What is the Saleable area in RERA?
“Saleable Area” in RERA includes carpet area plus veranda/terrace/balcony area and any other area exclusively meant for the Allottee plus the proportionate share of common areas as decided by the promoter.
What is the difference between carpet area and built-up area?
The carpet area is the area that a carpet can cover, while the built-up area comes after adding carpet area and wall area.
What is FSI?
FSI stands for Floor Space Index, which is the ratio between the area of a covered floor (Built-up Area) to the area of the plot (land) on which the building stands. The value indicates the maximum area that can be constructed on a plot of land.