In this article we explain the key differences between Saleable Area, Carpet Area, and Common Areas as defined under the RERA act, how they matter to you as a buyer, and how to check from the layout plan available in builder website or marketing brochure.
While this article focuses on Hyderabad real estate market, the contents are useful for buyers across the country
Carpet Area1
This is the net floor area inside the external walls of the apartment.
Includes:
Floor areas of all rooms including bathrooms
The area covered by the internal partition walls
Excludes:
Area covered by the external walls
Exclusive private balcony or verandah area (Yes, your exclusive balconies don’t fall under your carpet area)
Exclusive open terrace area
Areas under services shafts etc.
How it matters to you:
This is the actual space that you can see and feel when you are inside your home. If you prefer more living space over extra amenities, choose a home with higher carpet area
Common Areas1
Simply put, this is all the area in your apartment society compound wall that is not exclusive to you. These are the areas where all residents can access
The entire land for the real estate project or where the project is developed in phases and registration under this Act is sought for a phase, the entire land for that phase
The stair cases, lifts, staircase and lift lobbies, fire escapes, and common entrances and exits of buildings
The common basements, terraces, parks, play areas, open parking areas and common storage spaces. Your exclusive parking space is not part of this.
The premises for the lodging of persons employed for the management of the property including accommodation for watch and ward staffs or for the lodging of community service personnel
Installations of central services such as electricity, gas, water and sanitation, air-conditioning and incinerating, system for water conservation and renewable energy
The water tanks, sumps, motors, fans, compressors, ducts and all apparatus connected with installations for common use;
All community and commercial facilities as provided in the real estate project;
All other portion of the project necessary or convenient for its maintenance, safety, etc., and in common use
How it matters to you: More common areas usually means you are most probably going to enjoy a society with wider corridors, a lot of amenities etc. But observe the building layouts thoroughly to understand if it is really the above or space wasted due to inefficiency of design. Take expert help if required
Saleable Area2:
Saleable Area = Carpet Area + Exclusive Areas like Balcony / Terrace + Proportionate share of Common Areas
How it matters to you: This is the area that is widely used by Hyderabad real estate developers when explaining your apartment and quoting prices. Now you can see through the components of the saleable area and understand your apartment better.
How to find the Saleable area, Carpet Area and Common area without help from the developer:
Saleable Area - It is the area usually quoted as the apartment’s area by the developer
Carpet Area - Divide the apartment into the least number of rectangles inside the inner walls and exclude balconies. Find the length and width of each rectangle by referring to the dimensions of rooms falling in the corresponding rectangle. If there is an internal wall to be accounted for, add 6 inches approximately. Multiply the length and width to get the area of each rectangle. Add the areas of all rectangles together to get the carpet area.
Exclusive Balcony Areas - Find length and width of each such balcony, multiply length and width to get area of the individual balcony and multiply them to get the exclusive balcony area
Common Areas = Saleable Area - Carpet Area - Exclusive Balcony Areas
Please feel free to contact us if you need any guidance.
References:
THE REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) ACT, 2016
RULES - Telangana Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017- Notification – Orders – G.O.Ms.No.202.
TS RERA Website: https://rera.telangana.gov.in/