Carpet Area vs Super Built-Up Area: Check The Real Metric Every Flat Buyer Must Understand

One of the first issues buyers face when purchasing a flat in metropolitan cities is the difference between carpet area and super built-up area. Builders typically display large numbers in advertisements, but most buyers are unaware of the actual usable space they receive. Real estate experts believe that understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial to paying the right price and avoiding fraud.

What Is Carpet Area

Carpet area is the actual space within the home that a buyer can actually use. This refers to the area where carpeting can be laid, such as bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. This does not include wall thickness or common areas.

According to government regulations, this is the actual space that is directly useful in the buyer's daily life. As per experts quoted by Jagran Business, the larger the carpet area, the better the home is considered, regardless of its super area.

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What Is The Super Built Up Area

Super Built-Up Area (SUA) is an area that includes the carpet area within the flat, the thickness of the walls, and the society's common spaces, such as elevators, lobbies, staircases, gyms, clubhouses, and parking.

Many builders exaggerate the super area, making the flat appear larger. However, the actual usable space is significantly less. This has often led to controversies and complaints about transparency in the real estate sector.

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What Are You Paying For?

The most important question is, what area are buyers paying for? According to industry experts, most builders price the apartment based on the super area. This means that the buyer has to purchase a proportion of the common area, even if it is for shared use only.

However, after the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), this system has changed in many states, and many projects now price the apartment based on carpet area. If you are purchasing a flat, be sure to consider this.

What You Need To Keep In Mind

When purchasing a flat, buyers should not rely solely on the area mentioned, but should ask for clear written documentation detailing the carpet area and the super area. Carpet area-based pricing is expected to gain traction in the future as transparency increases.