How to compare flat prices fairly

A rate per sq ft is only as good as the area under it. Websites quote rates on RERA carpet area, on total internal area or on saleable (super built-up) area, and two rates on different areas cannot be compared. FlatNama works out every rate on one area, the flat’s total internal area (RERA carpet plus balconies, terrace and utility area), read from what was registered for each flat, so every project is measured the same way.

Three areas, three different rates

Since RERA, Pune flats are quoted on internal area including balconies and terrace.

Area used	What it includes	Effect on the rate
RERA carpet area	Usable floor inside the walls. Leaves out the flat's own balconies and open terrace (RERA Act, section 2(k)).	Smallest area, so the highest rate
Total internal area (FlatNama)	RERA carpet plus balconies, terrace and utility or dry balcony. Parking never included.	The area a Pune buyer is actually sold
Saleable or super built-up area	Total area plus a share of lobbies, lifts, stairs and amenities.	Largest area, so the lowest rate

Why saleable area cannot be compared

Builders add their own share of common areas, usually between 25% and 50% on top of the internal area. Two flats with the same internal area can carry very different saleable areas, so the same price gives very different rates. Saleable area is not a RERA measure; RERA works on carpet area.

One flat, four rates

A flat sold for ₹1.10 crore with 800 sq ft of RERA carpet and 1,000 sq ft of total internal area: ₹13,750 per sq ft on carpet, ₹11,000 on total internal area, about ₹8,460 at 30% loading (1,300 sq ft) and about ₹7,330 at 50% loading (1,500 sq ft). Same flat, same price. (Illustrative figures.)

How FlatNama gets the area

Every flat’s size is read from its registered sale record: carpet, balconies, terrace and utility area are added up for that flat, instead of relying on the RERA carpet figure alone. Each sale is matched to its MahaRERA project and checked, and only first sales by the builder are counted.

How to use the rate

Compare projects on FlatNama with each other: it is the same measure everywhere. When you read a rate on another website, check which area it is on; a lower number may just mean a bigger area behind it. The figure is what buyers paid in registered sales, not today’s asking price, so ask the builder for the current rate. Stamp duty, registration, GST and parking are extra.