Decoding Property Sizes: Carpet Area, Built-Up, & Super Built-Up Under MahaRERA (By CA Lalit Pawar)
When buying a property, one of the most confusing aspects for homebuyers is understanding the different terms used to describe the size of the property. Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and potential misrepresentation.
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), and specifically MahaRERA in Maharashtra, there’s a clear definition of “Carpet Area” that aims to bring transparency and standardize how property sizes are measured and communicated.
As a Chartered Accountant and RERA consultant, I, CA Lalit Pawar, frequently clarify these concepts for clients to help them make informed decisions. Let’s demystify these terms and understand their significance under MahaRERA.
🤔 Why Understanding Area Definitions Matters
Understanding the different types of area measurements is crucial for:
- Accurate Comparison: Comparing different properties on a like-for-like basis.
- Informed Decision-Making: Knowing exactly what you’re paying for.
- Avoiding Misrepresentation: Protecting yourself from misleading advertisements or sales tactics.
- Calculating Property Value: Accurately assessing the value of your investment.
Definitions: Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area
Here’s a breakdown of each term:
- Carpet Area:
- Definition under RERA: As per RERA, Carpet Area is “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”.
- In Simple Terms: The actual area within the four walls of your apartment that you can “lay a carpet on”.
- What’s Included: Internal walls.
- What’s Excluded: External walls, balconies, verandahs, open terraces, service shafts, and common areas.
- Built-Up Area:
- Definition: The Carpet Area plus the area covered by the external walls of the apartment, balconies, verandahs, and any other exclusive areas attached to the apartment.
- In Simple Terms: The Carpet Area plus the thickness of the walls and the area of your private balcony.
- Important Note: Built-Up Area is not a standard definition under RERA, but it’s still commonly used in older agreements or in markets outside RERA’s jurisdiction.
- Super Built-Up Area:
- Definition: The Built-Up Area plus a share of the common areas in the building, such as lobbies, staircases, elevators, corridors, and clubhouses. This is sometimes referred to as “Saleable Area.”
- In Simple Terms: The area you pay for, including your apartment and a portion of the shared spaces in the building.
- Important Note: Like Built-Up Area, Super Built-Up Area is not a standard definition under RERA.
The RERA Focus on Carpet Area: Enhancing Transparency
RERA’s emphasis on Carpet Area is a game-changer for homebuyers because it provides a clear and standardized measure of the actual usable space within the apartment. By mandating that developers quote the Carpet Area in all advertisements and agreements, RERA ensures that homebuyers know exactly what they are paying for.
Why Super Built-Up Area Can Be Misleading
Before RERA, developers often quoted the Super Built-Up Area, which could be significantly larger than the Carpet Area. This practice could be misleading, as homebuyers were paying for areas they couldn’t actually use within their apartment. RERA has curbed this practice by making Carpet Area the standard measure.
How to Calculate Carpet Area:
While the developer must provide the Carpet Area, you can get a rough estimate yourself:
- Measure the internal dimensions of each room in your apartment (length and width).
- Multiply the length and width of each room to get the area.
- Add up the areas of all the rooms.
- Subtract the area of external walls, balconies, verandahs, and open terraces (if any).
Conclusion: Make Informed Decisions with RERA Carpet Area
Understanding the definitions of Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area is essential for making informed decisions when buying property. By focusing on the Carpet Area, as mandated by MahaRERA, you can ensure that you are paying for the actual usable space within your apartment and avoid being misled by inflated area figures.
For More information, please refer original order @ MahaRERA Website:
Blog by CA Lalit Pawar
Decoding Property Sizes: Carpet Area, Built-Up, & Super Built-Up Under MahaRERA (By CA Lalit Pawar)
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area under MahaRERA. For specific legal advice and guidance related to your situation, please consult with a RERA expert or refer to the official MahaRERA website (maharera.mahaonline.gov.in).
Note: As per ICAI guidelines, please remember that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.