Convert between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. Calculate the loading percentage and find out the real price per sq.ft. on carpet area basis — which is how RERA requires all properties to be priced.
Section 2(k) of the RERA Act 2016 defines carpet area precisely: it is the net usable floor area of an apartment, including the area covered by internal partition walls, but excluding:
Internal staircases within the apartment, internal bathrooms, store rooms, and internal passage areas — all are included in carpet area. This is often misunderstood. Carpet area is not just the "carpetable" floor space — it is all usable area inside your flat including internal walls, bathrooms, and passages.
| Area Type | What It Includes | Typical Size vs Carpet |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Net usable area + internal walls (excl. external walls, balconies, shafts) | Base — smallest |
| Built-up Area | Carpet area + external walls + balconies/terraces | ~10-15% more than carpet |
| Super Built-up Area | Built-up area + proportionate share of common areas (lobbies, lifts, gym, pool etc.) | ~25-50% more than carpet |
Before RERA, developers quoted prices on super built-up area — the largest number. A 1,200 sq.ft. SBA flat might have only 780 sq.ft. of carpet area. Loading = (1200-780)/780 = 53.8%. You were paying for 1,200 sq.ft. but using only 780 sq.ft. exclusively.
RERA fixed this by mandating carpet area pricing. Now you can compare two flats with different loading percentages on a common basis. A flat priced at ₹8,000/sq.ft. on carpet area is directly comparable to another flat at ₹8,000/sq.ft. on carpet area — regardless of their loading percentages.
Under Section 14(2) of RERA, if the carpet area you receive at possession is less than what was promised in your agreement for sale, you are entitled to a proportionate refund. The refund is calculated at the rate per sq.ft. agreed in the sale agreement. Accepting possession does not waive this right — it survives even after you move in.
Example: Agreement says 900 sq.ft. at ₹9,000/sq.ft. Delivered: 850 sq.ft. Shortfall: 50 sq.ft. Refund: 50 × ₹9,000 = ₹4.5 lakh. File a complaint with MahaRERA if the promoter does not pay voluntarily.
Before accepting possession, measure the carpet area yourself or hire a licensed surveyor. Compare with the carpet area mentioned in your registered agreement for sale. If there is a discrepancy of more than a minor tolerance, document it in the possession letter. Do not sign the possession letter without noting any shortfall in writing.
On the MahaRERA portal, the promoter must disclose the carpet area of each apartment at registration. Check if the carpet area disclosed on the portal matches what is in your agreement — any discrepancy should be raised with MahaRERA before possession.
Section 2(k) definition, loading calculation, and the Section 14(2) shortfall remedy appear in the MahaRERA IBPS exam regularly.
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