Types of Floor Area That Home Buyers Should Know

What Is Floor Area: Misunderstandings When Buying a Property

One of the most common issues when buying a house or condominium in the Philippines is the floor area. You’ll often hear buyers rant about the actual size of the condo or house and lot they’re buying because they are smaller than the one being advertised. Therefore, it’s important to understand the types of floor area to avoid misunderstandings when purchasing a house or condo.

Two Main Types of Floor Area

The floor area is the measurement of a structure, building, or house that you are purchasing. It’s very important to understand this because there’s a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to buying a property. In this aspect, many buyers often say how big the house is in the pictures, but are disappointed upon visiting the actual unit. Now, why is this often misunderstood by the buyers?
There are two types of floor area, the gross floor area and the usable floor area. Let’s differentiate the two:

1. Gross floor area. This is the one that is often advertised by sellers or developers. Think about this, the structure used hollow blocks, posts, and with balcony. All these things are included in the gross floor area. However, this is not “usable” which we will discuss in the second type.
       
   
2. Usable floor area. This floor area is the space of the house that you actually use. If developers or sellers will use this often to promote their units, there might be less misunderstanding on the buyer’s part.
   

Instead of gross floor area, the usable floor area makes it easier for buyers to imagine how big the property will be. Then it will not be disappointing on their part as they get what they’ve expected in the first place. Some buyers check the actual size of the condominium unit by measuring from wall to wall, and get shocked when it doesn’t match the floor area in the advertisement.
The usable floor area is the one you use everyday, it is the exact space where you dine, sleep, or take a bath. Knowing the big difference between these two types of floor area is important to avoid disappointments when buying a house or condo in the Philippines. Remember that the gross floor area includes the columns, wall, and other structure that are all part of the foundation of the building.

Final Thoughts

Now that you are fully aware of the floor area of the house or condominium you are buying, you won’t feel deceived anymore. This is an important part of the buying process so you’ll be able to choose the best property that meets your expectations. If you’re looking for bigger and more modern homes for sale in Baguio City or other major cities in the country, you can check out our REALS.PH property listings for the perfect options. Our Baguio real estate agents are ready to assist you in choosing the best property.