In the article below, we shall learn about RERA carpet area meaning, how it is calculated, and the significant points of difference between RERA carpet and actual carpet area. This information will help avoid confusion and make an informed decision.
What is a Carpet Area?
Before we understand carpet area as per RERA, it is essential to know what carpet area means. In simple words, carpet area means the actual usable areas or that area of the property that the carpet can cover to place the furniture. This area does not include the walls or any other external common areas like lifts, staircases, and lobbies; it, however, does include balconies and utility areas. It is, thus, the most important metric or a key point for property evaluation.
What is RERA carpet Area?
Since we are now clear on the concept of carpet area, let us move on to understanding the RERA carpet area. The RERA (Development and Regulation) Act, 2016 (RERA) defines the term Carpet Area under Section 2(k) of Chapter 1 of the Act in a slightly different manner than the carpet area meaning.
According to the definition, 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”.
Carpet area as per RERA is a valuable metric but varies from the usable carpet area of an apartment. In simple words, the definition clearly states that the carpet area excludes external walls, service areas and balconies and open terraces. This definition also differs from the definition according to the Maharashtra Ownership Flat Act (MOFA) carpet area.
Impact of RERA Carpet Area
The introduction of RERA carpet area guidelines has brought a significant shift in the real estate market, enhancing transparency and promoting fair practices. By standardizing trade and business operations, RERA ensures that homebuyers have a clear understanding of the actual usable area they are paying for.
Mandatory disclosure of what is RERA carpet area in brochures and marketing materials ensures consistency and eliminates ambiguity. Additionally, the sale price of a property must now be determined based on the RERA carpet area, ensuring that buyers are charged only for the livable space.
In cases where discrepancies arise between the promised and actual carpet area, adjustments in the consideration amount are mandatory, protecting the buyer’s interests. This framework has not only improved market transparency but also fostered trust and confidence among buyers and developers alike.
For those seeking clarity, tools like a RERA carpet area calculator can help buyers differentiate between RERA carpet area vs carpet area, further simplifying the home-buying process.
Importance of RERA Carpet Area for Homebuyers
Transparency on Usable Area
The RERA carpet area ensures buyers know the exact usable space in a property, eliminating confusion over super built-up areas. Developers are required to price properties based on the carpet area, offering clear and realistic expectations.
Safeguarding Buyers’ Interests
RERA protects buyers from discrepancies between promised and actual carpet areas. If differences occur, developers must refund or adjust the price within 45 days, ensuring fair dealings.
Accuracy in Carpet Area Calculation
With mandatory disclosure of RERA carpet area, buyers can use tools like a RERA carpet area calculator to verify the precise usable space they will receive.
Fair Pricing
RERA ensures buyers only pay for the saleable area, with clear distinctions between carpet area and super built-up area, preventing hidden costs.
Optimized Space Utilization
Clear information on what is RERA carpet area helps buyers evaluate if the property suits their lifestyle and functional needs, aiding better decisions.
RERA Carpet Area Calculator
As per the definition in the RERA Act of 2016, the RERA area calculation can be done as follows: RERA Carpet Area = Net Usable Area of the Apartment (excluding external walls, terrace, balcony, and verandah) + Internal Partition Wall Areas.
RERA area calculation is easy as the carpet area is usually 70% of the built-up area. Suppose the built-up area of an apartment is 1500 sq. ft., then the RERA carpet would be approximately 1050 sq. ft.
Concept of RERA Carpet Area
Before the RERA Act of 2016 was introduced, property builders or agents sold units based on the super built-up area, which helped them reduce the property’s per sq. ft. cost and take advantage of the lack of clarity on space calculation. With the RERA Act, the builders and agents are now mandated to sell flats based on the carpet area.
Thus, the concept of carpet area as per RERA resulted in the following:
- Mandatory requirement to include the RERA carpet area in the marketing communication for clarity.
- Transparency of the real estate market
- Standardised trade and business practices
- Building trust and confidence in the seller
- The sale price is based on the RERA carpet area.
- Considering any adjustments arising from a change in the RERA carpet area.
To explain the last adjustment point, consider a homebuyer booking a flat in an under-construction property. If the carpet area is reduced during the construction, the builder must refund the excess amount with the prescribed interest rate of SBI’s highest MCLR + 2% to the homebuyer within 45 days.
Difference between RERA Carpet and Actual Carpet Area
The key difference between RERA carpet and actual carpet area also called net usable area, is that the latter excludes the area under the internal walls. Hence, the prescribed RERA carpet area will always be more than the actual one. There is approximately a 5% difference in both these carpet areas due to this reason. For example, if the carpet area of an apartment is 900 sq. ft., its RERA carpet area would be around 945 sq. ft.
Difference Between Saleable Area and RERA Carpet Area
The RERA carpet area refers to the usable space within a unit, while the saleable area includes the carpet area plus a loading factor. This loading factor accounts for shared spaces such as common areas, clubhouses, and services.
Developers often calculate the total cost of a unit based on the saleable area, as it reflects the proportional share of the overall project expenses. Although developers invest in the entire project, their revenue comes only from the units sold. Consequently, when a unit is sold based on carpet area, its cost is derived by factoring in the saleable area.
Understanding this distinction ensures homebuyers are aware of what they are paying for and helps in making more informed investment decisions.
Difference Between RERA Carpet Area, Built-Up Area & Super Built-Up Area
Understanding the distinctions between RERA carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area is crucial for making informed property decisions.
- RERA Carpet Area: Refers to the actual usable space within a property, including bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, but excluding walls and common areas.
- Built-Up Area: Encompasses the carpet area along with the thickness of internal walls and other structures within the unit.
- Super Built-Up Area: Includes the built-up area and a proportionate share of common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, and amenities.
Property prices are typically calculated based on the super built-up area, making it essential for buyers to understand these differences to accurately evaluate costs and value.
Read More: Carpet vs Built-Up vs Super Built-Up Area: Complete Guide
Steps for Measuring Carpet Area
Accurately measuring carpet area is crucial for understanding the usable space in a property. Follow these steps to calculate it:
- Measure the length and width of each room using a measuring tape or laser device.
- Multiply the length and width to determine the area of each room.
- Measure the thickness of internal walls to account for their dimensions.
- Add up the areas of all rooms along with the footprint of internal walls.
- Exclude balconies, external walls, and terraces from your calculation to arrive at the total carpet area.
This process ensures you have a clear understanding of the functional living space in your property.
Mistakes to Avoid While Measuring RERA Carpet Area
Accurate measurement of the RERA carpet area is essential to avoid discrepancies in pricing and legal complications. Incorrect measurements can lead to customer dissatisfaction and loss of trust. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping Wall Thickness: Ensure proper measurement from wall to wall, as the RERA carpet area includes internal wall thickness. Accurate measurements reflect the true value for homebuyers.
- Overlooking Small Spaces: Areas like storerooms and utility spaces must be included. Omitting these can lead to significant discrepancies and potential legal challenges.
- Inaccurate Measurements: Double-check every measurement and ensure they are taken at a 90-degree angle to the surface for precision. Errors can impact property pricing.
- Ignoring Doorways and Alcoves: Draft a detailed plan to include irregular spaces like doorways and alcoves. These can influence the overall carpet area calculations.
By avoiding these mistakes, you ensure transparency, accurate pricing, and compliance with RERA carpet area guidelines.
Different Terms Used by Real Estate Developers
When purchasing a property, buyers often encounter various terms related to area measurement. It’s essential to understand that the RERA carpet area specifically includes the usable space within a flat, such as the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathrooms, and inner walls. Below are some terms frequently used by developers, which may cause confusion if not clearly understood:
Common Area:
This refers to spaces shared by all residents, including swimming pools, staircases, gyms, footpaths, and lifts. These areas are not included in the RERA carpet area.
Exclusive Verandah & Balcony Area:
These are private, permanently attached spaces to a flat. However, such areas are excluded from the RERA carpet area meaning.
Exclusive Open Terrace Area:
The open terrace attached to a flat or apartment is also not part of the RERA carpet area calculation.
Loading Factor:
This represents the difference between the carpet area and the super-built-up area. For example, a loading factor of 1:20 means the builder has added 20% to the carpet area.
Per Square Foot Rate:
Traditionally, developers quote rates based on the saleable or super-built-up area. Under RERA, pricing must reflect the RERA carpet area. Buyers should inquire about the carpet-to-super-built-up area ratio—higher ratios indicate more usable space within the flat.
Understanding these terms ensures clarity when assessing property dimensions and helps buyers make informed decisions.
What Homebuyers Should Know About the RERA Carpet Area
- The RERA carpet area provides a standardized measure of the usable enclosed space in a property. However, it differs from the usable carpet area, which excludes the walls and focuses solely on areas where a carpet can be physically spread.
- For instance, while an enclosed balcony might be listed as part of the room in technical approvals and is usable, it is excluded from the RERA carpet area definition. Thus, while the RERA carpet area serves as a crucial benchmark, the usable carpet area is often a more practical metric for homebuyers.
- When evaluating properties, it is wise to compare the usable carpet area rather than relying solely on the RERA carpet area. This approach offers a clearer picture of the actual livable space. Buyers can calculate the usable carpet area by measuring and adding up all interior spaces within the flat.
This attention to detail ensures informed decision-making and better comparisons when choosing the right property.
Conclusion
Buying a home is a challenging task. When homebuyers view a real estate project or an apartment, the builder typically informs them about the area of the desired flat covers. Being one of Mumbai’s most admired real estate companies, Piramal Realty ensures transparency in explaining the real estate jargon for homebuyers. So, looking for contemporary residential spaces with high-quality standards and safety becomes easy for home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area?➕
- Carpet Area: The actual usable area within the walls of a flat, excluding the thickness of walls.
- Built-Up Area: Includes the carpet area plus the area occupied by walls and other structures.
- Super Built-Up Area: Includes the built-up area plus common spaces like staircases, corridors, and lobbies.
Does RERA carpet area include wall thickness?➕
No, the RERA carpet area excludes the thickness of external walls but includes the thickness of internal walls within the flat.
How many square feet is a RERA carpet area?➕
The RERA carpet area varies for each property and is determined by measuring the usable spaces within the internal walls. Homebuyers can use a RERA carpet area calculator to get accurate measurements.
Is a balcony included in the carpet area?➕
Balconies are excluded from the RERA carpet area, even if they are enclosed, as per the RERA definition.
What is the standard thickness of carpet?➕
The question refers to flooring carpets, not the RERA carpet area. Typically, carpets are 5–12 mm thick, depending on the material and design.
How is RERA carpet area calculated?➕
The RERA carpet area is calculated by summing up the usable spaces inside a flat, including bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, while excluding balconies and external walls.
How to calculate the RERA carpet area?➕
Measure the dimensions of each room, multiply the length and breadth, and sum up all the usable areas. Add the thickness of internal walls but exclude external walls, balconies, and terraces.
How to calculate built-up area?➕
To calculate the built-up area:
- Start with the carpet area.
- Add the area covered by internal and external walls.
- Include any exclusive balconies or verandas attached to the flat.
How to calculate super built-up area?➕
- Add the built-up area of the flat.
- Include the proportionate share of common areas like lobbies, staircases, and amenities.
What is the minimum carpet area?➕
The minimum carpet area is regulated by state-specific building codes. For example, affordable housing under RERA often specifies a minimum of 30 sq. m for urban areas.
What is the difference between RERA carpet area and usable carpet area?➕
The RERA carpet area includes the thickness of internal walls, while the usable carpet area only considers the spaces where a carpet can be physically laid, excluding wall thickness. Understanding this distinction helps buyers make better comparisons between properties.
Disclaimer- This article is based on the information publicly available for general use as well as reference links mentioned herein. We do not claim any responsibility regarding the genuineness of the same. The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. We expressly disclaim /disown any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided herein.
