When you decide to purchase an apartment, one of the most important dimensions that concerns you is its area. This area is specified in the title deed (ownership document) and directly affects the price and overall value of the apartment. However, have you ever wondered how to verify that the stated area matches reality without falling into common calculation errors? Relying on simple manual measurements or adding up room areas is a serious mistake that could cost you dearly.
Why Does the “Regular Meter” Method Fail in Calculating Area?
The common belief is that the apartment area is calculated from inside the rooms, but this is far from the architectural and legal reality. In fact, the building area is measured from the outer stone face or the external facade of the building. This means that the calculated area does not only include the internal living space, but also includes all the structural elements that surround it and separate it from the outside or from other apartments, which are:
- External walls: This includes the thickness of the stone layer, concrete, insulation layer, brick, and even the entire double wall.
- Internal walls: All partition walls between rooms, including the layers of plaster, putty, and paint on them, are calculated within the apartment area.
- Attached areas: Most people forget to calculate the balcony within the apartment area, even though it is an essential part that is usually included in the total area.
For example, a living room that you measure internally at 6×4 meters may have an actual area calculated in the title deed of 6.5×4.5 meters or more when adding the thickness of the walls with their materials. This small difference in dimensions makes a significant difference in the total area, making the ordinary manual calculation process completely inaccurate.
Professional Tools to Ensure Area Accuracy
To avoid errors and secure your rights, do not place your trust in visual measurement or manual meter, but follow the following professional procedures:
1. Using Architectural Plans (AutoCAD)
The most accurate solution is to obtain the AutoCAD architectural plan of the apartment and compare it with the actual reality. Engineers use this program to calculate areas with extreme precision because it takes wall thickness and structures into account. If you are not proficient in using the program, consult an architect or engineering office to assist you in this process.
2. Requesting the Official Subdivision Plan
If you do not have the architectural plan, request the subdivision plan from the housing company or real estate developer. This plan is an official document that has been verified by a surveyor from the regional municipality or municipality and in coordination with the Land Department. The dimensions and areas of the entire building are verified before granting the building permit, and therefore, this plan reflects the officially approved areas. You can review this plan and compare it with reality to detect any manipulation or unofficial modifications.
3. Contracting a Private Surveyor
For the highest degree of accuracy and impartiality, you can engage a licensed private surveyor. Their role will be to verify all these documents and plans and calculate the apartment area with high professional accuracy, providing you with additional confirmation to secure your rights.
When Should You Stop and Inquire?
After following professional procedures, minor differences may appear between the calculated area and the area on the title deed. It is natural to have a variance not exceeding half a meter to one meter increase or decrease, and this does not warrant concern.
However, if the difference exceeds that, you must stop immediately and inquire about the reason for the discrepancy. For example, an apartment with an area of 195 square meters should reflect this area in its design, such as having a spacious salon, a master bedroom with a walk-in closet (dressing room), a storage room, and a large balcony. If the declared areas do not match the logical internal distribution, this is an indicator that warrants serious verification to ensure you are paying for the actual area you will own. Do not hesitate to secure your rights before signing any purchase contract.
