Super Built-Up Area

Full form: SBA

Personal Finance

Super built-up area (SBA) is the total area including carpet area, walls, balcony, and proportionate share of common amenities (lobby, corridors, gym, security cabin, etc.). It is the largest measurement and was the basis for pricing before RERA mandated carpet area pricing.

In detail

What is included in super built-up area:nCarpet area of apartmentn+ Wall thickness (internal + external)n+ Balcony arean+ Proportionate common areas: entrance lobby, lifts and lift lobbies, corridors, staircase, security cabin, society office, gym, swimming pool changing roomsnnThe "loading" added to carpet area ranges from 20% (simple building) to 45%+ (heavily amenitised complex).nnFor comparing two projects: always compare carpet area rates. An 1,800 sqft SBA flat in one project may have the same carpet area as a 1,500 sqft SBA flat in another, if the first has more common amenities.

Formula

Super built-up area = Carpet area + Balcony + Walls + Common area loadingnLoading % = (SBA - Carpet) / Carpet x 100

Real-life example

🇮🇳 India example

Project A: 1,500 sqft SBA at Rs 6,000/sqft = Rs 90L. Carpet area 900 sqft (40% loading). Carpet rate = Rs 10,000/sqft. Project B: 1,200 sqft SBA at Rs 7,500/sqft = Rs 90L. Carpet area 870 sqft (38% loading). Carpet rate = Rs 10,345/sqft. Same total price, similar carpet -- Project A slightly better value.

Frequently asked questions

Why do developers use super built-up area for pricing?
Pre-RERA: SBA pricing made the per-sqft rate appear lower, making projects seem cheaper. Rs 5,000/sqft SBA sounds cheaper than Rs 7,000/sqft carpet -- even if they're the same actual price. RERA now mandates carpet area pricing to enable transparent comparison.