Understand Difference Between Plinth Area and Built Up Area

Understand the key difference between plinth area and built up area. Learn how to calculate these areas accurately and avoid common mistakes.
Loan Against Property
3 min
21 August 2024
When it comes to real estate, understanding the nuances of property measurements is crucial. One of the common confusions homeowners and buyers face is the difference between plinth area and built up area. Knowing these terms is essential for accurate property valuation, and it can also help when applying for a Loan Against Property with Bajaj Finserv. This guide will provide a clear understanding of these concepts, helping you make informed decisions in your real estate ventures.

The difference between plinth area and built up area is significant as it affects the property's valuation, tax calculation, and insurance premiums. A precise understanding can help in accurate property assessment, ensuring you get the best value, especially when leveraging financial products like Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property. This article will walk you through the definitions, calculations, and key differences between plinth area and built up area, helping you navigate these terms with ease.

What is the Plinth Area?

Plinth area refers to the covered built-up area measured at the floor level of any storey. It includes the area of the internal and external walls, lobby, corridors, and the space under the walls. It does not include open areas such as terraces, balconies, or any other uncovered spaces.

Understanding the plinth area is vital as it forms the base for calculating property taxes and other related charges. Accurate measurement of the plinth area ensures that you are not overpaying or underestimating the value of your property. For those considering a Loan Against Property, having an exact plinth area measurement can streamline the loan approval process and get you a better deal.

What is a Built Up Area?

The built up area, on the other hand, encompasses the plinth area along with the space covered by balconies, terraces (if covered), and other external areas that are part of the property. It includes everything that comes under the roof of your property.

This metric is crucial for understanding the actual usable space within a property. When applying for a Loan Against Property, knowing the built up area helps in providing an accurate value for the property, thus ensuring you get a loan amount that reflects the true worth of your property.

Key Differences Between Plinth Area and Built Up Area

FeaturePlinth AreaBuilt Up Area
DefinitionCovered area measured at floor levelIncludes plinth area plus balconies, terraces (if covered), etc.
Components includedInternal and external walls, lobby, corridors, space under wallsPlinth area + balconies, covered terraces
Usable spaceLess usable space compared to built up areaMore usable space, includes additional covered areas
Impact on valuationLower property value compared to built up areaHigher property value includes more space
Importance for loansBasis for tax calculation and basic property valuationCrucial for accurate property valuation and loan amount


How to Calculate Plinth Area?

  • Measure the external dimensions of the building at the plinth level.
  • Include the thickness of external and internal walls.
  • Add the area of lobbies, corridors, and staircases within the building.
  • Exclude open spaces like balconies and terraces.

How to Calculate Built Up Area?

  • Start with the plinth area measurement.
  • Add the area of covered balconies.
  • Include the area of covered terraces.
  • Ensure that all covered external spaces are part of the calculation.

Common Mistakes in Calculating Plinth and Built Up Areas:

  • Omitting wall thickness: Ensure to include the thickness of both internal and external walls in the plinth area.
  • Ignoring covered spaces: Remember to add all covered spaces like balconies and terraces to the built up area.
  • Incorrect measurements: Double-check all dimensions to avoid calculation errors.
  • Mixing up terms: Clearly distinguish between plinth area and built up area to avoid confusion.
Understanding the difference between plinth area and built up area is crucial for accurate property valuation. This knowledge not only helps in real estate transactions but also when applying for financial products like Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property. Proper calculation and distinction between these areas ensure you make informed decisions, get accurate valuations, and secure the best deals.

With Bajaj Finance, you can leverage your property value efficiently and enjoy benefits like competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Whether you are planning a new investment or need funds for personal use, a Loan Against Property from Bajaj Finance is a smart choice.

Frequently asked questions

Can there be discrepancies between plinth and built-up areas in property documentation?
Yes indeed, there can be notable distinctions between the plinth area and the built-up area in property documentation. The plinth area refers to the area covered by the building at the ground level, including the thickness of the external walls. On the other hand, the built-up area includes the plinth area, inner and outer walls, staircase, loft, and veranda. Consequently, when these additional areas are taken into consideration, the built-up area can generally be larger than the plinth area.

Can the built-up area be larger than the plinth area?
Yes, by all means, the built-up area can, and often is, larger than the plinth area. This discrepancy is because the built-up area includes not only the plinth area but also areas such as the balcony, veranda, wall thicknesses, and other areas considered non-liveable.

Is there a standard formula for calculating the built-up area?
In general, there isn't a universally standardized formula to calculate the built-up area because different regions may have varying definitions and inclusions as part of the built-up area. However, typically, it includes the carpet area (total area of the apartment minus the thickness of the walls) plus the area covered by the walls, balcony or terrace if applicable, and potentially other non-liveable areas based on region-specific definitions.

Are external walls included in the built-up area?
Indeed, external walls are often included in the built-up area. The thickness of both the internal and external walls is factored into the determination of the overall built-up area. However, the specific elements included in this calculation may vary depending on the regional property laws and standards.

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