COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON RERA ACT DEFINED CARPET AREA
RERA Carpet Area Explained: What Homebuyers Must Check Before Buying Property
RERA ensures transparency in property size and pricing
Buyers must verify approvals, carpet area, and builder compliance
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 30, 2026:
For decades, Indian homebuyers struggled with confusing terms like super built-up area, built-up area, and carpet area. Builders often quoted inflated sizes, leaving buyers paying for space they could not actually use. The RERA Act, 2016 changed this by introducing a clear legal definition of carpet area and requiring developers to disclose it in agreements.
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Today, carpet area has become the gold standard for measuring usable space, and buyers must ensure that the property they purchase complies with RERA norms. This article explains carpet area under RERA and highlights what customers should investigate before buying property.
What is Carpet Area Under RERA?
According to Section 2(k) of the RERA Act, 2016, carpet area means:
- Net usable floor area of an apartment.
- Excludes: external walls, service shafts, balconies, verandas, and common areas.
- Includes: usable space within internal walls, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
This definition ensures buyers know exactly how much space they can use, eliminating inflated claims by builders.
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Why Carpet Area Matters
- Transparency: Buyers pay only for usable space.
- Fair Pricing: Prevents builders from charging for non-usable areas.
- Legal Protection: RERA mandates disclosure of carpet area in agreements.
- Comparison Tool: Helps buyers compare properties on a uniform basis.
What Customers Should Check Before Buying Property (RERA Specifications)
1. Verify RERA Registration
- Every project must be registered under RERA.
- Buyers should check the project’s registration number on the state RERA website.
- Registration ensures the project has necessary approvals and is monitored by authorities.
2. Carpet Area Disclosure
- Ensure the builder clearly mentions carpet area in the sale agreement.
- Avoid projects that quote only super built-up or built-up area.
3. Approved Plans and Layouts
- Verify that the project layout and floor plans are approved by local authorities.
- RERA requires builders to upload sanctioned plans on the official portal.
4. Construction Timeline
- RERA mandates developers to declare project timelines.
- Buyers should check the promised completion date and penalty clauses for delays.
5. Escrow Account Compliance
- Builders must deposit 70% of project funds into an escrow account.
- This prevents diversion of money and ensures timely construction.
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6. Builder’s Track Record
- Buyers should review the builder’s past projects, delivery timelines, and customer feedback.
- RERA portals often provide details of ongoing and completed projects.
7. Agreement for Sale
- Ensure the agreement follows the RERA-prescribed format.
- It must include carpet area, payment schedule, possession date, and penalty clauses.
Broader Implications of RERA
- For Buyers: Greater confidence and protection against fraud.
- For Builders: Stricter compliance requirements, reducing malpractice.
- For Market: Increased transparency, boosting trust in real estate.
Conclusion
The RERA Act has transformed India’s property market by introducing transparency and accountability. For buyers, understanding carpet area and verifying RERA compliance is crucial to avoid fraud and ensure fair value. By checking registration, approved plans, timelines, and agreements, customers can safeguard their investment and enjoy peace of mind.
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