Carpet area vs built-up area: which one am I paying for?
For a RERA-registered project you are sold carpet area: the usable floor area inside your walls, including internal partition walls but excluding external walls, service shafts, exclusive balconies and open terraces. Built-up and super built-up figures are larger, so always compare price per sq ft of carpet area.
Checked October 2026 by the V9 Realty team. Estimates only; the builder's cost sheet and your advocate have the final word.
The three numbers you'll hear
| Term | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Carpet area | Net usable floor area of the flat, as defined by RERA. This is what the agreement must state. |
| Built-up area | Carpet area plus walls, and often balconies. |
| Super built-up area | Built-up area plus a share of lobbies, lifts, stairs and amenities. Not used for sale under RERA. |
Compare like with like
If one project quotes ₹9,000 per sq ft on built-up area and another ₹10,000 on carpet area, the second can be the cheaper flat. Ask every builder for the carpet area in the agreement, and divide the agreement value by it.
Balconies and decks
Exclusive balconies, verandahs and terraces are listed separately from carpet area. They have value, but check how they're being charged.