⚡ Quick Answer
Carpet area is the usable floor area inside your flat. Built-up area adds the thickness of walls and some private spaces. Super built-up area adds a share of common areas such as lobbies and lifts. Under RERA, homes must be sold on the basis of carpet area.
- Always compare flats using carpet area, not super built-up area.
- At L&T The Gateway Sewri, the 4 BHK carpet area is 1,905 sq.ft and the 4.5 BHK is 2,238 sq.ft.
- Ask for the carpet area of every room in writing.
When you look at flats in Mumbai, you will hear three different numbers for the size of the same home: carpet area, built-up area and super built-up area. They can be very different, and mixing them up is one of the most common reasons buyers feel a home is smaller than they expected.
This guide explains what each term means, what RERA says about carpet area, and how to use these numbers to compare homes fairly.
Table of Contents
The Three Area Terms in Simple Words
| Term | What it includes | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet area | The net usable floor area inside the flat, including internal partition walls | Comparing homes and checking the agreement |
| Built-up area | Carpet area plus external wall thickness and some private spaces such as balconies | Understanding the total footprint of your flat |
| Super built-up area | Built-up area plus a share of common areas like lobbies, staircases and lifts | Older-style pricing; not used for sale under RERA |
Exact definitions can vary between developers for built-up and super built-up area. Carpet area is defined by law.
What RERA Says About Carpet Area
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) defines carpet area as the net usable floor area of an apartment. It excludes the area covered by external walls, service shafts, exclusive balconies or verandahs and exclusive open terraces, but it includes the area covered by internal partition walls of the apartment.
Under RERA, developers must sell homes on the basis of carpet area. This makes it much easier to compare projects, because every developer is using the same definition.
Why the Difference Matters
- Fair comparisonTwo homes with the same super built-up area can have very different carpet areas.
- Real living spaceCarpet area tells you how much floor you can actually furnish and use.
- Price per sq.ftA price per sq.ft on super built-up area looks lower than the same price on carpet area.
- Legal clarityYour agreement and MahaRERA documents will refer to carpet area.
How to Compare Two Flats the Right Way
- Ask for the RERA carpet area. Get it in writing for the exact unit you are considering.
- Ask for balcony and terrace areas separately. These add to how the home feels, even if they are not in the carpet area.
- Look at room sizes. A good floor plan gives you the size of each room, not just the total.
- Check the shape. Long corridors and odd corners use carpet area without adding much living space.
- Compare total cost, not just rate. Divide the all-in price by the carpet area to see the real cost per usable sq.ft.
Our guide on how to read 4 BHK and 4.5 BHK floor plans shows how to check room sizes and layout in more detail.
Carpet Areas at L&T The Gateway Sewri
| Configuration | Carpet area |
|---|---|
| 3 BHK | 1,000 sq.ft (92.90 sq.m) |
| 4 BHK | 1,905 sq.ft (176.98 sq.m) |
| 4.5 BHK | 2,238 sq.ft (207.92 sq.m) |
Carpet areas as shared by the project team. Please confirm unit-wise details before booking. Price on request.
To decide which size suits your family, read 3 BHK vs 4 BHK vs 4.5 BHK: which home size is right for you. You can also see all configurations on the L&T The Gateway Sewri homepage.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make With Area
- Comparing different measuresPutting the carpet area of one project next to the super built-up area of another makes the second look bigger than it is.
- Ignoring the loadingThe gap between carpet and super built-up area can be large. Always ask what each figure includes.
- Counting the balcony twiceSome brochures add balcony space into a headline figure. Ask for the carpet area and balcony area as separate numbers.
- Trusting the sample flatFurniture in show flats is often smaller than normal. Measure the rooms against your own furniture.
- Not checking the agreementThe carpet area in your agreement is the one that counts. Make sure it matches the unit you were shown.
A simple habit avoids all of these: ask for one sheet that lists the RERA carpet area, the balcony or deck area and the room sizes for your exact unit, and keep it with your booking papers.
Related Guides
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- 3 BHK at L&T The Gateway Sewri: size, layout and who it suits
- L&T The Gateway Sewri price: how to get the latest price
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- L&T The Gateway Sewri Floor Plans: 3 BHK, 4 BHK and 4.5 BHK Carpet Areas
- Property Tax in Mumbai: A Simple Guide for Flat Owners
- 12 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Flat in Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carpet area under RERA?
Carpet area under RERA is the net usable floor area of an apartment. It excludes external walls, service shafts, exclusive balconies and open terraces, and includes internal partition walls.
Is a balcony included in carpet area?
No. Under RERA, exclusive balconies, verandahs and open terraces are not part of the carpet area. They are usually listed separately in the agreement.
Is built-up area bigger than carpet area?
Yes. Built-up area includes the carpet area plus wall thickness and some private spaces, so it is always larger.
Can a developer sell on super built-up area?
Under RERA, homes must be sold on the basis of carpet area. Super built-up area may still be mentioned, but carpet area is the figure that matters.
What are the carpet areas at L&T The Gateway Sewri?
3 BHK homes have a carpet area of 1,000 sq.ft, 4 BHK homes 1,905 sq.ft and 4.5 BHK homes 2,238 sq.ft. Please confirm unit-wise details with the team.
How do I convert carpet area to built-up area?
There is no fixed formula, because wall thickness and private spaces differ between projects. Ask the developer for both figures for your unit.
Conclusion: Always Ask for Carpet Area
Carpet area is the most honest measure of a home, and RERA has made it the standard. When you compare flats, ask for the carpet area in writing, check the room sizes and look at the all-in cost per usable sq.ft. If you would like the floor plans for L&T The Gateway Sewri, enquire now or call +91 80503 63647.
L&T The Gateway, Sewri
MahaRERA No. P51900054969
Get the project details, floor plans and price sheet for 3, 4 and 4.5 BHK residences in Sewri, Mumbai. Our team will call you back.
