Carpet Area vs. Built-Up Area: What Every Homebuyer Should Know

 

Suppose you’ve started looking for apartments in Mohali or anywhere else in India. In that case, you’ve probably come across terms like carpet area and built-up area in glossy brochures or on property portals. At first glance, they might not seem too important—but here’s the catch: misunderstanding them could mean paying for space you can’t actually use.

That’s why at Homestricity.com, we make it our mission to cut through the jargon and give homebuyers clear, no-nonsense information. Let’s break it down together.

What Exactly is Carpet Area?

Think of carpet area as the part of your home you truly live in—the actual usable space within the walls. If you rolled out a carpet across every corner you can walk on, that’s your carpet area.

It includes:

  • Bedrooms
  • Living and dining rooms
  • Kitchen
  • Bathrooms and toilets
  • Internal staircases (if any)

It does not include:

  • Balconies
  • Terraces
  • Lift shafts
  • Lobbies or corridors
  • External/common walls

Quick formula:

* Carpet Area = Built-Up Area – (Wall thickness + balcony/terrace space)

Example:

An apartment listed at 1,100 sq. ft. built-up area may actually have only 800–850 sq. ft. of carpet area—the part you’ll really use day to day.

What About Built-Up Area?

The built-up area is slightly larger because it includes the carpet area, as well as the thickness of walls and attached spaces, such as balconies or terraces. Developers often highlight this figure because it looks more impressive on paper.

It includes:

  • Carpet area
  • Wall thickness (internal & external)
  • Balcony or terrace

It excludes:

  • Shared/common areas like the garden, clubhouse, or external staircases

Formula:

* Built-Up Area = Carpet Area + Wall thickness + balcony/terrace

Carpet Area vs. Built-Up Area: The Key Differences

Carpet Area Built-Up Area

100% usable space—bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms Carpet area + wall thickness + balconies/terraces

Excludes balconies, terraces, and walls. Less usable, because walls and balconies take away from functional space

Reflects what you can actually live in. Often quoted by developers to show a larger number.

Why Should You Care About This Difference?

  1. It affects the price you pay.
  2. Builders may quote prices based on built-up area, but what matters to you is the carpet area—the space where you’ll actually live.
  3. RERA has your back.
  4. Thanks to the RERA Act (2016), developers are legally required to sell units based on carpet area, making transactions more transparent for buyers.
  5. It helps with planning your interiors.
  6. You can conveniently plan your complete furniture layout, interiors, and storage space once you know the exact carpet area.

Don’t Forget the Super Built-Up Area

There’s one more term you’ll often hear: super built-up area. Super Built-up area includes the built-up area plus your share of common amenities like the lobby, clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, and corridors.

To give you a sense:

  • The carpet area is usually about 70% of the built-up area.
  • Built-up area is usually about 70% of the super built-up area.

Tips for Smarter Homebuying

  • Always ask for the carpet area in writing.
  • Compare apartments based on carpet area, not just built-up or super built-up figures.
  • Double-check if the quoted price is based on carpet area (as mandated by RERA).
  • Review the approved floor plan before signing.

Wrapping It Up

Knowing the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area isn’t just real estate trivia—it’s the key to making sure you’re paying for what you actually get.

At Homestricity.com, we’ve been helping buyers since 2006 make smart, informed decisions about their homes. Whether you’re eyeing luxury apartments in Mohali, premium flats in Chandigarh, high-rise residences in Gurugram, lifestyle apartments in Dubai, or even scenic homes in Himachal Pradesh, we’re here to make the process smooth, transparent, and rewarding.

Why Buyers Trust Homestricity.com

  • Experience You Can Count On – Over a decade of expertise in real estate advisory.
  • Wide Network – Mohali, Chandigarh, Gurugram, Dubai, and Himachal Pradesh.
  • Premium Choices – From high-end apartments to villas and commercial spaces.
  • Fair and Transparent – 100% RERA-compliant practices, hassle-free paperwork, and immediate possession support.
  • Personalized Advice – Tailored guidance to help you find the property that fits your lifestyle and investment goals.

Ready to explore luxury apartments in Mohali or other investment -ready properties across Mohali, Chandigarh, Gurugram, Dubai and beyond? Visit www.homestricity.com today and let’s help you find your perfect home.

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