Carpet area, super built-up area and measurements: Bengaluru buyer questions
Short answer
This page answers 5 common Bengaluru buying questions on "Carpet area, super built-up area and measurements". Each answer was checked against official sources, which are listed under it. Rates, fees and time limits change, so the answers point you to the current rule instead of quoting a figure. This is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice.
What is the difference between carpet area, built-up area and super built-up area?
The Act defines carpet area as the net usable floor area of an apartment, counting the internal partition walls and leaving out external walls, service shafts and exclusive balcony, verandah or open terrace areas. The Act does not define built-up or super built-up area, which sellers commonly use for larger figures that add wall thickness or a share of common spaces. Names and methods vary between sellers, so ask each seller to state which one they use and to give the carpet area for every unit you compare.
What is loading and how do I compare projects with different loading?
Loading is a sales term for the gap between the super built-up area and the carpet area. The Act does not use it, but it does require the carpet area of each apartment to be declared when a project is registered. Two flats with the same advertised area can have different usable space. To compare, ask for the carpet area and divide the price you are quoted by it yourself, keeping all charges on the same basis. We do not publish price per square foot because we do not hold verified prices.
Is the price I am quoted based on carpet area or super built-up area?
Ask the seller to state the basis in the cost sheet. The Act requires the carpet area of apartments to be declared when a project is registered, but many brochures and rate cards still quote another area, so we cannot tell which basis a quote uses. A price on one basis cannot be compared with a price on another. Ask for the carpet area, the rate and every extra charge in one written sheet before you compare projects.
Can a builder charge separately for car parking or include it in the area?
The Act lists open parking areas among common areas, and the Ministry's FAQ says these cannot be sold to buyers. It defines a garage separately, as a covered place with walls on three sides. Whether any parking is priced separately or sits inside the area depends on the agreement and on the current rules, so we give no rule. Ask the seller to state in writing what the price covers, how parking is allotted and whether any part is added to the saleable area, and have a lawyer read the clause.
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What if the carpet area I receive differs from the agreement?
The Act requires the carpet area to be declared when a project is registered, and the agreement for sale is the document that fixes what you are buying, so keep that clause and the sanctioned plan with you. We have not found an official page on what happens when the measured area differs, and we do not state any tolerance or remedy. Measure the unit with a professional at handover and ask the seller in writing to explain any difference. Consult a lawyer before accepting possession if the numbers differ.
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