Flat Size Grows, But Carpet Area Shrinks: Homebuyers in Delhi-NCR Hit by Double Loss
Flat Size Grows, But Carpet Area Shrinks: Homebuyers in Delhi-NCR Hit by Double Loss
Builders increase loading percentage, leaving buyers with less usable space despite paying more
In the wake of the pandemic, demand for larger homes surged as the work-from-home lifestyle became the norm. Buyers across Delhi-NCR began looking for spacious flats, turning their homes into makeshift offices. Many even stretched beyond their budget, spending crores where they once considered flats worth ₹50–60 lakh. However, that decision is now turning into a costly mistake.
A recent report by real estate consultancy Anarock reveals that while builders have increased the overall size of flats, they’ve also hiked the loading percentage, the part of the property that accounts for shared spaces like lobbies, staircases, and amenities. As a result, the carpet area, or the actual usable space inside the home, has shrunk significantly.
In 2019, the average loading percentage in Delhi-NCR was 31%. By the first quarter of 2025, it had ballooned to 41%. This means that although buyers are technically purchasing larger flats — often over 1,200 to 1,500 sq. ft. on paper, a significant chunk of that is now taken up by non-usable common areas. For example, in a flat with a super built-up area of 1,300 sq. ft., if the carpet area is only 1,000 sq. ft., the loading is 30%. With the loading rising to 40%, buyers may get just 900 sq. ft. or less of usable space.
Why are developers increasing loading?
According to experts, the shift is driven by post-pandemic buyer expectations. People now demand more than basic living comforts they want lifestyle-enhancing features such as gymnasiums, clubhouses, landscaped parks, grand lobbies, and more. Developers are redesigning projects to include these amenities, increasing the super built-up area in the process. To maintain the visual appeal and add value, builders are inflating shared spaces, which boosts the loading percentage.
The outcome? Despite paying significantly more for larger flats, buyers are ending up with less livable space. With carpet areas shrinking, the cost per square foot of actual usable space is rising leaving homebuyers facing a double blow: higher prices and smaller homes.
This growing gap between advertised size and actual space is becoming a critical concern for homebuyers and a reminder to thoroughly verify carpet area specifications before making a purchase decision.
