Introduction
One of the most common challenges homebuyers face is understanding how property size is calculated. Terms like carpet area, built-up area, super built-up area, and RERA carpet area are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. This confusion can directly impact the actual space you get and the price you pay.
A recent Times of India report highlighted that in some Indian cities, the carpet area of new flats is nearly 40–45% smaller than the super built-up area quoted by developers. This gap makes it essential for buyers to know exactly what each term means before making a purchase decision.
This guide explains each concept in simple terms, backed with examples and industry references, to help you navigate your home-buying journey with clarity.
A recent Times of India report highlighted that in some Indian cities, the carpet area of new flats is nearly 40–45% smaller than the super built-up area quoted by developers. This gap makes it essential for buyers to know exactly what each term means before making a purchase decision.
This guide explains each concept in detail, with examples and industry references, to help you navigate your home-buying journey with clarity.
What is Carpet Area?
Carpet area is the actual usable space inside your home—the portion where you can literally lay a carpet.
- Includes: Bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and internal passage areas
- Excludes: Thickness of walls, balconies, verandas, terraces, and common spaces
Example: If a flat’s carpet area is 700 sq. ft., you get 700 sq. ft. of livable space.
What is RERA Carpet Area?
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) brought standardization and transparency in how areas are defined.
- RERA Carpet Area = Net usable floor area + internal wall thickness
- Excludes external walls
Under RERA, builders must disclose carpet area in agreements and advertisements, ensuring buyers are not misled by inflated figures.
What is Built-Up Area?
Built-up area includes carpet area plus additional construction elements.
Formula:
Built-Up Area = Carpet Area + Wall Thickness + Balconies/Terraces
This number is usually 10–30% more than carpet area.
Example: If carpet area = 700 sq. ft., then built-up area could be between 770–910 sq. ft.
What is Super Built-Up Area?
Super built-up area, often referred to as the “saleable area”, is the figure developers frequently use to calculate property prices.
Formula:
Super Built-Up Area = Built-Up Area + Proportionate Share of Common Spaces
Common spaces include lobbies, staircases, lifts, corridors, gyms, and clubhouses.
Example: If carpet area = 700 sq. ft. and loading = 40%, then super built-up area ≈ 980 sq. ft.
Quick Comparison: Carpet Area vs Built-Up vs Super Built-Up vs RERA Carpet
|
Term |
Includes |
Excludes |
Why It Matters |
|
Carpet Area |
Usable space inside walls |
Walls, balconies, common areas |
Shows real living space |
|
RERA Carpet Area |
Carpet + internal walls |
External walls, balconies, terraces |
Legally binding, transparent |
|
Built-Up Area |
Carpet + walls + balconies |
Common amenities |
Slightly inflated |
|
Super Built-Up Area |
Built-up + share of common areas |
– |
Inflated figure used for pricing
|
Conclusion
When buying property, the carpet area and RERA carpet area are the most reliable measures of your home’s size. Built-up and super built-up areas often inflate the numbers, making the flat appear larger on paper than in reality.
To make the best investment decision:
- Always compare price per sq. ft. on carpet area.
- Check the loading factor before buying.
- Remember, your lifestyle depends on the carpet area, not the super built-up figure.
