Insights

Carpet area vs built-up vs super built-up

The difference between carpet, built-up and super built-up area — and why only one of them matters when comparing two flats.

Two flats quoted at the same price can differ by a hundred square feet of usable space. The reason is almost always which area figure is being quoted.

The three figures

• Carpet area — the usable floor area within the walls of the flat. This is what you can actually walk on and furnish.
• Built-up area — carpet area plus the thickness of the walls and usually the balcony.
• Super built-up area — built-up area plus your share of common spaces: lobbies, staircases, lifts, clubhouse.

Why it matters

Under RERA, flats in registered projects must be sold on carpet area, and the agreement must state it. But brochures, portals and conversations still drift into super built-up because the number is bigger and the per-square-foot rate looks smaller.

When you compare options, force every one of them onto carpet area. The ranking often changes.

The question to ask

"Is this carpet area as defined under RERA, and will that figure appear in the agreement?" Ask it every time. Everything we put in a shortlist is quoted on carpet area.

This is general guidance, not legal or financial advice. Verify project details and MahaRERA registration independently before you book.