Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
A recent Anarock report reveals that the average loading factor in Indian apartments has surged to nearly 40% in early 2025, up from 31% in 2019. The loading percentage represents the difference between the super-built-up area and actual carpet area, with buyers now receiving only about 60% of usable space. Cities like MMR (43%), Bengaluru (41%), and Delhi-NCR (41%) show the sharpest increases. The rise is driven by demand for lifestyle amenities-clubhouses, gyms, terraces-especially among millennial buyers. While RERA mandates disclosure of carpet area, there is no cap on loading, allowing developers to package extensive common facilities into projects. Experts note this shift reflects evolving buyer preferences focused on community living and wellness. However, the widening gap between livable and super-built-up space calls for greater transparency and potential regulation to ensure balanced value for homebuyers.
The disparity between the super-built-up area and carpet area in apartments has widened considerably over recent years, driven largely by developers increasing the average loading percentage to nearly 40 per cent in early 2025. This reflects a notable rise from 31 per cent in 2019, according to a detailed report released by real estate consultancy Anarock. Advertisement
The loading percentage refers to the difference between the total super-built-up area and the actual carpet area - the livable space within an apartment. To illustrate, if a flat's super-built-up area measures 1,300 square feet while its carpet area is 1,000 square feet, the loading factor is 30 per cent. However, current market conditions show buyers are increasingly paying for larger super-built-up areas, with only around 60 per cent of this space being usable carpet area.
Prashant Thakur, Regional Director and Head of Research & Advisory at Anarock Group, explained that while the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) mandates developers to clearly mention carpet area to homebuyers, there is no regulatory limit on the loading factor in residential projects. This has resulted in builders incorporating more common amenities, thereby increasing the non-livable share of the total apartment area.
These common areas encompass essential and lifestyle features such as elevators, staircases, lobbies, clubhouses, terraces, and other shared amenities. The rising loading factor essentially means buyers receive less private living space, paying for extensive common facilities that enhance overall community living experiences.
Among India's top seven cities, Bengaluru recorded the sharpest increase in average loading percentage, climbing from 30 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in early 2025. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to top the list with the highest loading, which has escalated from 33 per cent to 43 per cent during the same period. Delhi-NCR has seen its loading factor grow from 31 to 41 per cent, Pune from 32 to 40 per cent, Hyderabad from 30 to 38 per cent, and Kolkata from 30 to 39 per cent. Chennai's loading factor experienced the slowest growth, rising modestly from 30 per cent to 36 per cent.
Industry leaders attribute this trend to the evolving demands of homebuyers, particularly millennials who are reshaping the residential real estate market. Angad Bedi, Chairman and Managing Director of Bengaluru-based BCD Group, noted that real estate is becoming increasingly experiential. Developers are designing projects with a focus on lifestyle offerings-ranging from saunas and wellness centres to sports arenas and advanced clubhouses-which have emerged as critical selling points.
Bhavesh Kothari, Founder and CEO of Property First, added that the younger generation is investing not merely in carpet area but in the overall lifestyle their home environment can provide. This shift is reflected in the growing emphasis on premium amenities that foster community engagement and wellness.
While the trend of increasing loading factors underscores the rise of amenity-rich developments, it also raises questions about the balance between livable space and shared facilities. Buyers may find themselves paying for larger super-built-up areas but receiving proportionally less private carpet area.
As urban housing preferences continue to evolve, developers and regulators may need to consider transparent disclosures and potential guidelines on loading percentages to ensure consumers make informed decisions without compromising on value or comfort.
Moving forward, striking a harmonious balance between generous common facilities and adequate private living areas will be critical to meeting diverse buyer preferences and sustaining the momentum of India's urban housing market.
Source - PTI
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
