🏡 Carpet vs. Built-Up vs. Super Built-Up Area – What’s the Difference? 📏

Carpet vs. Built-Up vs. Super Built-Up Area – What’s the Difference?

When buying a home, one of the most important factors to understand is how property areas are measured. Terms like Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, and Super Built-Up Area can be confusing, and many buyers often get misled by property listings. Let’s break it down in simple terms to help you make an informed decision.

1. Carpet Area – The Usable Space Inside Your Home 🏠

Carpet Area refers to the actual usable area inside your home, where you can place furniture and move around. It excludes walls, balconies, and common spaces like staircases or lobbies.

📌 Key takeaway: This is the space you’ll actually live in, so it’s the most important measurement when evaluating a property.

2. Built-Up Area – More Than Just the Carpet Area 📐

Built-Up Area includes the Carpet Area plus the thickness of internal and external walls and balconies. Typically, this makes the Built-Up Area 10-20% larger than the Carpet Area.

📌 Example:

If a home has a Carpet Area of 1,000 sq. ft., the Built-Up Area could be around 1,100–1,200 sq. ft.

3. Super Built-Up Area – The Total Saleable Area 🏢

Super Built-Up Area goes a step further by including shared spaces such as lobbies, lifts, staircases, and amenities like clubhouses or corridors. This is often 25-40% larger than the Carpet Area.

📌 Example:

If the Built-Up Area is 1,200 sq. ft., the Super Built-Up Area might be around 1,500–1,700 sq. ft.

⚠️ Why does this matter? Builders typically advertise the Super Built-Up Area in property listings, which can make a home seem larger than the actual usable space. Always ask for the Carpet Area to know how much space you’ll actually get!

Why Should You Check the Carpet Area Before Buying?

Transparency: Helps you compare properties accurately.
Better Cost Evaluation: You pay for Super Built-Up Area but live in the Carpet Area.
Avoid Misleading Listings: Many ads showcase only the Super Built-Up Area, making homes appear bigger than they actually are.