In the realm of real estate, clarity and fairness are key—especially when it comes to measuring the space you’re paying for. Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), through Circular No. 4/2017, issued on June 14, 2017, has standardized how carpet area should be calculated under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). This rule is essential for buyers, developers, and designers alike, ensuring transparency in real estate transactions.
What exactly is carpet area? According to Section 2(k) of RERA, carpet area is the net usable floor area within the apartment’s walls. It includes internal partition walls but excludes external walls, balconies, terraces, and service shafts. In simple terms, it is the space where you can place your furniture, move around, and live your everyday life—nothing more, nothing less.
MahaRERA’s clarification comes with a visual distinction between what counts and what doesn’t. Internal walls, which divide your living spaces (like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens), are included in the carpet area. On the other hand, external walls, balconies, service shafts, and terraces—though part of your home—are not included in this measurement. This distinction eliminates ambiguity and ensures everyone speaks the same language when referring to space.
The circular goes further to explain what constitutes internal and external walls. Whether made of concrete, bricks, or drywalls, internal walls help define your interiors. External walls form the outer boundary of your apartment. Structural components like columns, if embedded in walls, are considered part of the wall itself. This clarity helps in precise calculation and accurate design.
Before Circular No. 4/2017, developers used different formulas for carpet area, leading to confusion and inconsistency. MahaRERA’s standardization ensures that every homebuyer receives transparent, fair information. Supported by Section 37 of the RERA Act and Rule 38 of MahaRERA, this directive brings uniformity across all residential projects registered after May 1, 2017.
To further aid both professionals and buyers, MahaRERA attached illustrative diagrams with the circular. These visuals clearly mark what’s included and what’s not, making it easier to understand and implement. It empowers buyers to question irregularities and promotes responsible practices among developers.
In conclusion, MahaRERA’s Circular No. 4/2017 is a landmark step in making real estate dealings in Maharashtra transparent and trustworthy. It ensures that buyers get what they pay for, and developers follow a unified approach to reporting carpet area
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