Understanding the Difference Between RERA Carpet Area and MOFA Carpet Area

When buying a property, it is important to understand the different types of carpet area measurements. Two common measurements are RERA carpet area and MOFA carpet area. These two measurements can differ significantly, so it is important to be aware of the difference before making a purchase.

What is RERA carpet area?

RERA carpet area is the net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding the area covered by the external walls, areas under services shafts, exclusive balcony or veranda area, and exclusive open terrace area, but including the area covered by the internal partition walls of the apartment.

What is MOFA carpet area?

MOFA carpet area is the entire area of the floor along with the balcony. It includes the area covered by the external walls, areas under services shafts, and exclusive balcony or veranda area.

Key differences between RERA carpet area and MOFA carpet area

Here is a summary of the key differences between RERA carpet area and MOFA carpet area:

·        RERA carpet area is more accurate than MOFA carpet area.

This is because RERA carpet area excludes certain areas that are not actually usable by the buyer, such as the area under services shafts and the exclusive open terrace area. MOFA carpet area, on the other hand, includes all of these areas.

·        Developers typically use MOFA carpet area when marketing and selling their properties.

This is because MOFA carpet area is larger than RERA carpet area, and developers can quote higher prices for their properties using MOFA carpet area.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference between RERA carpet area and MOFA carpet area:

·        Example 1:

Imagine a 1000 sq ft apartment with a 100 sq ft balcony. The RERA carpet area of the apartment would be 900 sq ft, while the MOFA carpet area would be 1000 sq ft. This is because the RERA carpet area excludes the balcony, while the MOFA carpet area includes it.

·        Example 2:

Imagine a 1000 sq ft apartment with a 100 sq ft balcony and a 50 sq ft service shaft. The RERA carpet area of the apartment would be 850 sq ft, while the MOFA carpet area would be 1000 sq ft. This is because the RERA carpet area excludes the balcony and the service shaft, while the MOFA carpet area includes them.

Which measurement should buyers use?

Buyers should always use RERA carpet area when comparing different properties and making a purchase decision. RERA carpet area is a more accurate measurement of the usable floor area of an apartment, and it helps to ensure that buyers are not paying for areas that they cannot use.

How to protect yourself

Here are a few tips for buyers to protect themselves when buying a property:

·        Always ask the developer to quote the RERA carpet area of the property.

Do not compare properties based on MOFA carpet area, as this can be misleading.

·        Read the sale agreement carefully before signing it.

Make sure that the sale agreement specifies the RERA carpet area of the property.

·        Do your research on the developer.

Before you book a property, make sure that you do your research on the developer and the project. Check the developer’s track record and see if they have completed any projects on time and within budget.

·        Get everything in writing.

Make sure that all of your agreements with the developer are in writing. This includes the sale agreement, the payment schedule, and any other promises or commitments made by the developer.

·        Be aware of hidden costs.

Some developers may quote a lower price for the property but may charge additional costs for things like parking, amenities, and maintenance. Be sure to factor in all of these costs when comparing different properties.

·        Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the developer on the price of the property and other terms of the sale. Remember that the developer is trying to sell the property, so they may be willing to negotiate on the price, especially if you are a serious buyer.

Here are some specific tips to protect yourself from fraud:

·        Never pay any money to the developer without a signed sale agreement.

·        Be wary of developers who ask for large upfront payments.

·        Don’t invest in projects that are not registered with RERA.

·        Get all of the developer’s promises in writing.

·        Be careful of developers who offer unrealistic discounts or other incentives.

·        If you suspect that you may be a victim of fraud, you should immediately file a complaint with RERA. RERA has a dedicated team of officers who investigate complaints and take action against developers who violate the law. By following these tips, buyers can protect themselves and make informed decisions when buying a property.

By following these tips, buyers can protect themselves and make informed decisions when buying a property.

Conclusion

RERA carpet area is a more accurate measurement of the usable floor area of an apartment than MOFA carpet area. Buyers should be aware of the difference between these two measurements and should always ask developers to quote the RERA carpet area of the property before making a purchase.