If you're planning to buy a flat in a growing area like East Bangalore, especially in places like Shettigere, you'll often hear terms like carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. These words sound confusing, but they're very important. They decide how much real space you get, how much you pay, and whether you're making a smart investment or not.

Even though the government now asks builders to be more transparent through RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016), it's still your job as a buyer to understand what these terms mean. Let's break it down in a simple way.

1. What is Carpet Area?

Carpet area is the space inside your flat that you can actually use. Think of it as the space where you can lay a carpet. It includes the bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and even small internal walls.

What it includes:

1. Rooms like the bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom
2. Internal walls inside your flat
3. Storerooms or pooja rooms (if any)
4. Inside passages or corridors

What it doesn't include:

1. Outer walls
2. Balconies
3. Terrace or open space
4. Common areas like the lift, staircase, or clubhouse

Why it matters:

This is the actual living space you'll use every day. Thanks to RERA, builders must now mention carpet area clearly in brochures and agreements. It's the best way to compare properties because it shows the true usable area.

For example, in a project like Godrej MSR City, all units clearly show carpet area so buyers know exactly how much space they're getting.

2. What is Built-Up Area?

Built-up area is a little more than carpet area. It includes everything in the carpet area plus the thickness of the inner and outer walls and private areas like balconies.

What it includes:

1. Carpet area
2. Walls (internal and external)
3. Balcony
4. Utility areas (like a small wash area or dry balcony)
5. Private terrace (if attached)

What it doesn't include:

1. Shared/common areas like lobby, lift, or clubhouse

Why it matters:

This tells you the total physical space that belongs to your flat, including the walls. It's about 10–20% more than carpet area. Builders sometimes show this number in their brochures, but it's not always used to decide pricing.

3. What is Super Built-Up Area?

Super built-up area is the built-up area plus a share of all the common spaces in the apartment complex. This is the number you'll usually see in advertisements because it's the biggest one.

What it includes:

1. Your flat's built-up area
2. A portion of shared spaces like:
   1. Staircase and lift area
   2. Clubhouse
   3. Hallways and reception
   4. Garden and open areas
   5. Swimming pool, gym, and other shared facilities

Why it matters:

This is the number many builders use when they say something like "2 BHK for ₹70 lakhs at 1,100 sq. ft." The price sounds lower per square foot, but the actual usable area (carpet area) is much smaller.

Also, maintenance charges are usually based on the super built-up area, not the space you actually live in.

4. So, Which Area Should You Look At First?

Always start with the carpet area. It's the most honest way to judge how much space you're actually getting. Then look at the built-up and super built-up areas to understand how the total size is being calculated.

In good projects like Godrej MSR City in Shettigere, the builder clearly lists all three areas in their brochures and sales agreements. This makes it easier for you to trust what you're buying.

5. Some Easy Tips for Buyers

1. Ask for the carpet area first – Always ask the builder to tell you the carpet area first. Don't get distracted by the bigger numbers.
2. Check the loading factor – This is the extra area added to the carpet to reach the super built-up area. A high loading factor (like 35–40%) means you're paying more for common areas.
3. Compare prices based on carpet area – Divide the total price by the carpet area to get the real price per square foot.
4. Look at the floor plan – It helps you see how the space is divided and whether the layout fits your needs.
5. Visit the site – If the flat is ready, go see it yourself. Measure a few rooms to understand the size.
6. Check with your bank – Home loans are usually approved based on carpet area, not super built-up area.

6. How Godrej MSR City Makes Things Easier

Godrej MSR City, located in Shettigere near the airport, is one of the few projects that give clear area details right from the beginning. You'll see:

1. Carpet area (your real living space)
2. Built-up area
3. Super built-up area

Everything is RERA-approved and mentioned clearly in the brochures and legal documents. This is helpful for new buyers who don't want confusion or hidden costs.

Final Thoughts

Don't get confused by big area numbers. Understand what each term means and focus on carpet area to know the real space you're getting. In fast-growing areas like Shettigere, where prices are rising quickly, buying a flat is a big decision. So, ask the right questions, check the facts, and compare carefully.

Projects like Godrej MSR City that offer clear breakdowns and RERA-approved layouts are a safer choice for long-term peace of mind.