RERA Act 2016, Section 2(k) — Exact Definition
"Carpet area means the net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding the area covered by the external walls, areas under services shafts, exclusive balcony or verandah area and exclusive open terrace area, but includes the area covered by the internal partition walls of the apartment."
In plain language: carpet area is the space where you can actually lay your carpet and live. It is measured from the inside of your apartment's external walls — the actual usable floor you own exclusively.
Carpet Area
The floor space entirely within your apartment — from the inner face of external walls, including internal walls but not external walls, balcony, or shared areas. This is the ONLY measure RERA recognises.
Built-Up Area
Carpet area + the thickness of external walls + balcony/exclusive terrace. Not used in RERA transactions — an intermediate measure.
Super Built-Up Area (SBA)
Built-up area + your proportionate share of all common areas: lobbies, corridors, lifts, stairwells, gym, pool, management office. This is always 25–40% larger than carpet area and is NOT permitted under RERA for pricing or agreements.
2 BHK Apartment — Area Comparison
Carpet Area (RERA Section 2k)
850 sq ft
What you can actually use
The legal basis for pricing
Built-Up Area
950 sq ft
Carpet + external walls + balcony
Not used under RERA
Super Built-Up Area
1,150 sq ft
Everything above + common area share
Pre-RERA marketing measure — do not use
What This Means for Pricing
If a developer quotes ₹7,000/sq ft on SBA (1,150 sq ft):
→ Listed price: ₹80.5 lakh
→ Actual carpet area rate: ₹80.5L ÷ 850 sq ft = ₹9,471/sq ft
→ You paid for 1,150 sq ft, you got 850 sq ft — a 35% gap
Under RERA, this apartment should be listed at ₹7,000/sq ft × 850 sq ft = ₹59.5 lakh (priced on carpet area), making the true cost transparent.
✅ Included in Carpet Area
✓ All floor space between the external walls
✓ Area under internal partition walls (rooms, kitchen walls, toilet walls)
✓ Internal structural columns within the apartment
✓ Passage/corridors within the apartment
❌ Excluded from Carpet Area
✗ External wall thickness
✗ Service shafts (lift shafts, pipe ducts)
✗ Exclusive balcony or verandah
✗ Exclusive open terrace area
✗ Common lobbies, corridors, stairwells
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carpet area under RERA?
Under RERA Section 2(k), carpet area is the net usable floor area of an apartment excluding external walls, service shafts, exclusive balcony/verandah, and exclusive open terrace. It includes the area covered by internal partition walls. This is the legally mandated measure for all property pricing and agreements under RERA.
What is the difference between carpet area and super built-up area?
Super built-up area includes carpet area plus external walls, balcony, and a proportionate share of common areas like lobbies, corridors, and lifts. SBA is typically 25-40% more than carpet area. Under RERA, only carpet area can be used for pricing and agreements.
Why does carpet area matter to a property buyer?
Carpet area tells buyers exactly how much usable space they are getting. Before RERA, buyers often discovered their apartment was much smaller than the marketed size because developers used super built-up area figures. RERA mandates carpet area to prevent this misleading practice.
Does carpet area include the balcony?
No. Exclusive balcony or verandah area is specifically excluded from carpet area under Section 2(k), even though the balcony is exclusively yours. It is counted separately and should be disclosed as a distinct figure rather than folded into the carpet area number.
Is it legal for a developer to quote pricing only in super built-up area?
No. RERA requires pricing and the Agreement to Sell to state the carpet area of the unit. A developer quoting price per square foot only on super built-up area, without disclosing the equivalent carpet-area rate, is not RERA-compliant, and an agent presenting SBA-only pricing without disclosure risks liability under Section 10(c).
How much smaller is carpet area typically compared to the marketed size?
The gap varies by project and building design, but a 25-40% difference between super built-up area and carpet area is common, driven mainly by the proportionate share of common areas (lobbies, corridors, lifts, amenities) loaded onto the super built-up figure.
Change Log
Sep 21, 2026 — Converted FAQ to single-source array pattern, expanded FAQ from 3 to 6 questions.
Aug 11, 2026 — Initial guide published.
Master Every RERA Definition
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