The surface area of a home seems simple at first glance, but as is often the case, the devil is in the details.
The size of a dwelling is a major factor in determining its price, so it is very important to focus on it.
When browsing real estate ads, you will find descriptions mentioning the total surface area, the “surface utile” or the living area. Sometimes, you will simply find the term surface area without further details.
To understand, the first thing to consider is the type of surface area. Indeed, the surface area of a terrace, cellar, garage or living room do not have the same value.
The total surface area is the sum of the floor areas of a home from the basement to the attic. This, without distinction of the type of surface area. With or without walls? Good question, you can find anything, so be careful...
The “surface utile” is determined by the land registry. This is an indicator of the overall value of the dwelling, but here too all the surfaces are mixed and accumulated with weighting coefficients according to their type.
The surface in which you will actually live is the living space. This is what must be considered as a priority. Its calculation method is clearly defined in an ILNAS standard. More precisely, you will find all the surfaces in which you are actually going to live such as the kitchen, the living room, the dining room, the bathroom, the bedrooms as well as the stairs and corridors of the heated volume. This surface is measured intra-muros. Accessory surfaces such as cellars, garages, attics whose height is less than 2m high, terraces and balconies are not included.
Want to visit a property or buy off-plan? Ask for the measurement of the living space calculated according to the ILNAS standard. If the answer does not seem convincing, ask your real estate agent for advice.
Also note that the acceptable tolerance on the measurement of the living space is 5%.
More questions ? Don't hesitate to let us know, it's our pleasure to answer.
Ludovic Balon - 27 Sept 24
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