When buying an apartment, one of the most important terms to understand is the “carpet area.” It directly affects the usable living space inside your home, overall comfort and realistic value of the property. This guide explains what carpet area means, how it differs from other measurement terms and why homebuyers should pay close attention to it before making a purchase.
Carpet area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of an apartment—the portion where you can lay a carpet. It includes bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms and internal passages. Understanding carpet area helps buyers estimate how much real living space they will get after possession.
Included in Carpet Area:
• Bedrooms
• Living and dining areas
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms and toilets
• Internal utility areas
• Internal corridors
Not Included in Carpet Area:
• External walls
• Common areas like lifts, lobbies and staircases
• Balconies and terraces
• Open corridors
• Parking spaces
• Carpet Area: Usable indoor living space within internal walls.
• Built-Up Area: Carpet area + wall thickness + balconies/terraces.
• Super Built-Up Area: Built-up area + proportionate share of common areas (lifts, lobbies, amenities).
Understanding the difference helps buyers evaluate actual value and compare apartments accurately.
• Determines actual usable space inside the apartment
• Helps compare different projects fairly
• Influences interior design and furniture planning
• Ensures transparency in pricing
• Required disclosure under RERA for buyer protection
Under RERA regulations, developers must clearly specify the carpet area of every unit. This ensures transparency and prevents misleading information. Pricing, too, is often calculated based on carpet area to give buyers an accurate idea of cost versus usable space.
• Ask for floor plans and verify the carpet area mentioned
• Compare carpet area percentage with built-up and super built-up ratios
• Consider layout efficiency—more carpet area means better practical usage
• Check if the balcony area is charged separately
• Prioritize projects with transparent measurements and RERA compliance
Understanding carpet area is essential for making informed real estate decisions. It helps buyers evaluate true living space, compare properties effectively and avoid confusion related to built-up or super built-up measurements. With clear knowledge of carpet area and RERA guidelines, homebuyers can invest confidently and choose homes that offer the best space, comfort and value.