What is Carpet Area?
Carpet area is the actual usable floor space within the walls of your apartment or flat where you can literally lay a carpet. It is the most important measurement for home buyers because it represents what you actually get to use and live in. Under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), developers are now required to sell properties based on carpet area, making this calculation essential for every property buyer in India.
The carpet area includes all rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and other enclosed spaces within your flat. However, it excludes the thickness of internal walls, external walls, balconies, terraces, and common areas like lobbies, staircases, and lift spaces. Understanding this distinction is crucial when comparing properties and negotiating prices.
Understanding Different Area Types in Real Estate
When buying property in India, you will encounter three main types of area measurements. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding them helps you make informed decisions:
- Carpet Area: The actual usable floor space inside your flat. This is the area enclosed within the walls where you can place furniture, walk around, and live. RERA mandates that carpet area should be the basis for property transactions.
- Built-Up Area: Carpet area plus the thickness of internal and external walls. Typically 10-15% more than carpet area. This includes the area occupied by walls within your flat boundary.
- Super Built-Up Area: Built-up area plus your proportionate share of common areas like lobby, staircase, lift, clubhouse, etc. This is what builders traditionally quote and can be 20-40% more than carpet area.
What is Loading Factor?
The loading factor is the percentage difference between super built-up area and carpet area. It represents the premium you pay for common amenities and shared spaces in a building or complex. A loading factor of 25% means that for every 1000 sq ft of super built-up area, approximately 750 sq ft is actually usable carpet area. Loading factors vary significantly based on building type, amenities offered, location, and builder practices.
How to Calculate Carpet Area from Super Built-Up Area
The formula to calculate carpet area is straightforward but requires knowing the loading factor. Built-Up Area equals Super Built-Up Area divided by (1 + Loading Factor). Carpet Area is approximately 75% of Built-Up Area. For example, if a builder quotes 1500 sq ft super built-up area with 25% loading, Built-Up Area would be 1500 / 1.25 = 1200 sq ft, and Carpet Area would be approximately 1200 x 0.75 = 900 sq ft.
Why Carpet Area Matters for Home Buyers
Understanding carpet area is crucial for true cost comparison, space planning, RERA compliance, loan calculations, and resale value. When comparing two properties, always compare price per carpet area square foot. A property quoting Rs.8000/sq ft on super built-up might actually cost Rs.12000/sq ft on carpet area basis.
RERA and Carpet Area Regulations
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) brought significant changes to how property areas are disclosed and sold in India. Developers must sell properties based on carpet area. The clear definition states carpet area is the net usable floor area excluding external walls, service shafts, exclusive balcony or verandah areas, and exclusive open terrace area.