When buying or renting a property in Dubai, you’ll often see two terms in the sales brochure or tenancy contract: Built-Up Area (BUA) and Carpet Area. While they may seem similar, the difference can significantly impact your purchase price, rental value, and return on investment.
At Dubai Property Snagging ®, we provide professional property measurement services to ensure that what’s promised in the listing is exactly what you get.
What is Built-Up Area (BUA)?
The built-up area is the total space within the external walls of a property. It includes:
- Carpet area (usable internal space)
- Internal walls and partitions
- Balcony and terrace space
- Utility ducts and shafts (sometimes counted depending on developer)
👉 Built-up area is usually larger than carpet area, and developers often advertise this figure because it looks bigger.
What is Carpet Area?
The carpet area refers to the net usable area inside the property — the space where you can actually place furniture and move around. It excludes:
- External and internal walls
- Balconies and terraces
- Common areas like lobbies, stairs, and lifts
👉 Carpet area gives the real picture of livable space.
Key Differences Between Built-Up Area and Carpet Area
| Aspect | Built-Up Area (BUA) | Carpet Area |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Total area within outer walls | Usable space inside walls |
| Includes | Walls, balconies, ducts, carpet area | Only usable floor area |
| Excludes | Nothing (all built space counted) | Walls, balconies, terraces |
| Use in Dubai | Commonly used in sales brochures | Actual space tenants care about |
| Impact | Higher price/sq. ft. if miscalculated | Reflects true value of living space |
Why This Matters in Dubai
- Buying: Property prices in Dubai are often quoted per square foot. If the BUA is used instead of carpet area, you may overpay.
- Renting: Tenants should verify if their rent is based on livable carpet area, not inflated built-up area.
- Investing: Investors need correct area calculations to estimate rental yield and ROI accurately.
Also Read: Property Measurement Services in Dubai: Why Accuracy Matters
How We Help
At Dubai Property Snagging ®, we measure and verify both BUA and Carpet Area using advanced tools:
- Laser measurement devices for precision
- 3D scanning for complex layouts
- RERA-compliant reporting for buyer/tenant protection
Benefits of Property Size Verification
- ✅ Avoid overpaying for properties
- ✅ Ensure compliance with RERA contracts
- ✅ Protect your rights as a tenant or buyer
- ✅ Get accurate ROI calculations for investments
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between built-up area and carpet area can save you from costly mistakes in Dubai’s real estate market. With professional property measurement services, you ensure that your investment is based on facts, not inflated figures.
📞 Book Your Property Measurement Today
✔ Accurate BUA & Carpet Area Reports | ✔ Delivered in 12 Hours | ✔ Certified Engineers
📲 WhatsApp or Call us at +971 56 378 7002
👉 Visit: dubaipropertysnagging.ae
