The real estate market in India is vast and constantly evolving, with many buyers investing in properties that seem perfect at first glance. However, one crucial detail often overlooked by homebuyers is the carpet area. More specifically, the RERA carpet area as mandated by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). When you’re purchasing a property, especially a 3 BHK flat, it’s essential to understand how the builder defines and calculates the carpet area.
In recent years, the introduction of RERA has brought about much-needed transparency in the real estate industry. However, despite these regulations, there are still cases where buyers end up getting less than what they are promised. Here’s why you should always demand RERA carpet area from builders before making a purchase.
What is Carpet Area and Why Does It Matter?
Carpet area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of a flat or apartment. It includes spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen but excludes walls, balconies, and common areas. Many buyers mistakenly equate carpet area with built-up area or super built-up area, which include the external walls, terraces, and common spaces like elevators or staircases. Builders often market properties based on super built-up area, which can be misleading.
The RERA carpet area is the precise measurement of the usable area that you can actually live in. With the standardization brought about by RERA, you can be sure that when you demand the carpet area, you are getting an accurate measurement that reflects the true size of your property.
RERA’s Role in Protecting Buyers
RERA safeguards the interests of homebuyers and brings much-needed transparency to the real estate sector. Before RERA, builders freely advertised properties with inflated measurements and misled buyers, who later realized the actual size of their new home was much smaller than promised.
One of the most significant reforms brought by RERA is the standardization of carpet area calculations. Under RERA, builders and developers are required to disclose the exact carpet area of the property they are selling, along with the breakdown of the super built-up area and the common areas. This ensures that the buyer has full knowledge of what they are purchasing.
For example, if you buy a 3 BHK flat in a residential complex, RERA ensures you get accurate carpet area details and prevents builders from misleading you with inflated measurements. By demanding the RERA carpet area, you make sure you don’t pay for space that doesn’t actually exist.
Why Should You Always Demand RERA Carpet Area?
- Transparency in Transactions
The real estate market has long been notorious for lack of transparency. Builders would often advertise a property based on “super built-up area,” which inflates the actual space you can live in. RERA ensures that homebuyers are provided with accurate details, including the precise carpet area of their homes. By insisting on RERA carpet area, you’re ensuring the transaction is transparent and you get exactly what you’re paying for. - Avoid Discrepancies in Size
Discrepancies in carpet area often lead to dissatisfaction post-purchase. Buyers may find that the property is smaller than expected, which can be frustrating, especially when you’ve already invested a significant amount of money. By demanding the RERA carpet area, you avoid this issue and get a clear understanding of the space available. - Legal Protection
If you’re dissatisfied with the area the builder specifies, you can take legal action under RERA. RERA clearly states that builders must follow the specifications they advertise. If the property turns out smaller than the advertised RERA carpet area, you can claim a refund or compensation from the builder. - Better Space Planning
Knowing the exact carpet area of your 3 BHK flat enables you to plan your interior design and space utilization effectively. You will know exactly how much room you have for furniture, storage, and other home amenities. This level of clarity is crucial for making the most of your space. - Accurate Pricing
Builders often price properties based on inflated super built-up areas, which can mislead homebuyers into thinking they are getting a larger space for the money. With RERA carpet area, the price per square foot is based on a more accurate measurement, ensuring that you’re paying for the actual usable space rather than paying for common areas or external walls.
The Importance of Using the Best Property Portal in India
When searching for your ideal home, especially a 3 BHK flat, it’s important to use a reliable property portal that provides accurate and up-to-date information. Best property portals in India not only list properties but also give detailed insights about the property, including the RERA carpet area.
Use the best property portals to verify the RERA carpet area for any listing and avoid untrustworthy builders who try to mislead buyers. These platforms often feature verified listings, customer reviews, and additional details like floor plans, amenities, and RERA registration details. This additional layer of transparency helps you make an informed decision.
How to Verify the RERA Carpet Area?
- Request Documentation: When speaking to a builder or realtor, always ask for the RERA-approved documents that detail the carpet area of the property. The builder is legally required to provide these details.
- Check RERA Registration: Confirm that the builder has registered under RERA and that the property listing includes a valid RERA number. This will give you confidence that the information provided is legitimate and compliant with RERA guidelines.
- Consult the Property Portal: Top property portals in India often provide verified details about the carpet area as well as floor plans. You can use these to cross-check the numbers provided by the builder.
- Visit the Site: If possible, visit the site or the sample flat to get a feel for the actual size of the unit. Take your own measurements to ensure that the carpet area aligns with what’s been advertised.
Conclusion
When buying a home, especially a 3 BHK flat, demanding the RERA carpet area is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It protects you from being misled by inflated or misleading measurements and ensures that you’re getting what you’re paying for. With RERA, homebuyers in India now have the legal protection and transparency they deserve, making it easier to invest in real estate with confidence.
As a savvy buyer, it’s important to rely on the best property portals in India that provide accurate listings, verified details, and RERA information. This way, you can avoid discrepancies, make an informed decision, and secure your dream home without any unpleasant surprises.
