The Difference Between Carpet Area and Built-Up Area: A Complete Guide for Homebuyers
Understanding the difference between carpet area and built-up area is crucial for homebuyers. This guide explains definitions, formulas, and key differences, including super built-up areas. Learn why RERA mandates carpet area for transparency, how it impacts costing, and tips to make informed property decisions before investing in your dream home.
Carpet vs. Built-Up Area: A quick guide for buyersTable of Contents
When someone is buying a flat/apartment, one most common confusion they face is about the difference between carpet area and built-up area. Real estate developers use these terms frequently while describing property sizes, but unless you clearly understand the meaning of these terms, you might pay more for less space.
In this blog, we will explain the difference between carpet area and built-up area, why it matters, and also help you make the right decision for real estate investments.
What is a Carpet Area?
The carpet area is the portion within the four walls of your flat that you can actually use. In a simple way, it is the area where you can lay a carpet. It includes: living room, bedroom dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, toilets and internal staircases if available. But common portions like lobbies, lift, stairs outside flat, balconies, terraces, external walls and common walls between two flats are not included in the carpet area.
Formula for Carpet Area
Carpet Area = Built-Up Area – (Wall thickness + utilised spaces like balcony, terrace, etc.)
Example
If you see the advertisement of an apartment with 1,100 sq. ft. built-up area, the actual carpet area may be only 800-850 sq. ft which is the actual space you can use inside the home.
What is a Built-Up Area?
The built-up area includes carpet area plus the thickness of the walls and other additional spaces attached to the flat. Builders often mention the built-up area in the advertisements and brochures, because it is larger than the carpet area and feels better to buyers.
Built-up area includes the carpet area, external and internal wall thickness and balcony, terrace etc. It excludes the common areas, garden, clubhouse, parking space and stairs outside the apartments.
Formula for Built-Up Area
Built-Up Area = Carpet area + Wall thickness + balcony/terrace area
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Key Differences Between Carpet Area and Built-Up Area
| Carpet Area | Built-up Area |
|---|---|
| It includes bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom | It includes carpet area + wall thickness + balcony/terrace |
| It is completely usable | It is less usable because of walls and balconies |
| Balconies, terrace, wall thickness and common spaces are excluded from this area. | Common areas like lobbies, lifts and garden etc. are excluded |
Why Does This Difference Matter?
1. Accurate Costing
Builders often provide the prices based on built-up area. But as a buyer, you should be aware about the carpet area that you actually use.
2. Transparency Under RERA
According to the RERA Act (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016), developers must sell flats only on the basis of carpet area. This law was introduced for more transparency in real estate.
3. Home Design & Planning
You can plan better about interiors, furniture’s and other utilisation of space by knowing the carpet area.
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Carpet Area vs. Built-Up Area vs. Super Built-Up Area
- Most of the time carpet area and built-up area are discussed, but buyers should also know super built-up areas, which developers often use for pricing.
- Super Built-Up Area includes built-up area and common areas (like lobby, lift, clubhouse, corridor, gym, swimming pool, etc.)
- Generally, carpet area is 70% of built-up area and built-up area is 70% of super built-up area.
Tips for Homebuyers
- Always ask the builder for the carpet area.
- Compare properties according to carpet area.
- Confirm that the price quoted by the builder is based on carpet area or super built-up area.
- Check the approved floor plan for knowing the carpet area.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the difference between carpet area and built-up area is important for every homebuyer. While builders mention the built-up or super built-up area to show the property is bigger, the carpet area gives information about real personal usability. Because of RERA, homebuyers are treated with more transparency, and being aware of these terms helps you purchase the property with the right information.
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