This is the difference between built and usable meters

For those people who do not have a great experience in the real estate field, there are some concepts that are interesting to know. Among them? The difference between the built meters and the usable meters of a property.

What does each term refer to, what factors make the difference, and why are they relevant when selling a property? We analyze it!

Built meters

Built meters refer to the total area occupied by a building. It includes usable spaces as well as structural elements and non-usable areas such as:

• Walls.
• Columns.
• Corridors.
• Stairways.
• Balconies.
• Terraces.
• Storage rooms.

However, it is essential to consider some particularities:

• In residential buildings, the value of a property is based on the sum of all the meters built in the dwelling and the meters proportional to the coefficient of participation in the common areas.

• In the case of sharing walls with neighbors, the constructed meters are divided equally among the owners.

The administrative registry of the Cadastre establishes that:

1. Roofless terraces and patios compute 50% of their surface area.
2. In socially protected properties, the maximum allowed surface area for a terrace is 10%.
3. If a terrace is completely enclosed with three or four walls, 100% of its space is considered.
4. The attics or basements that do not exceed a height of 1.5 meters are not considered as part of the built-up area.

Usable meters

In essence, the useful meters refer to the total surface area of a property that is functional and accessible without difficulty:

• Rooms.
• Living rooms.
• Kitchens.
• Bathrooms.
• Hallways.
• Areas occupied by forniture or closets.

This definition does not include spaces between partitions or those occupied by pillars.

How are the useful meters calculated? Following a simple three-step process.

1. Multiply the length by the width of the walls of each room.
2. Write down and add up all the calculations.
3. Subtract the measurements for the doors and windows.

The importance of distinguishing between built and usable square meters when selling a property

It is essential to keep in mind that the built meters may vary from the usable meters. Built meters are used for legal and urban planning purposes, while usable meters are more relevant for assessing the actual used area of a property.

Providing transparent information about the total meters of a property inspires confidence in potential buyers. Something that gives them the assurance that you are being honest in your description, which can facilitate the negotiation process and lead to a successful closing of the sale.

It’s time to sell your property

In KM2 Real Estate Services we are specialists in the marketing of properties in the best areas of Barcelona and Madrid.

Would you like to get an idea of the selling price of your property? We invite you to discover its current value for free and in less than two minutes with our online property valuator.

We are ready to fulfill your next real estate purpose. Our team of commercial advisors will not stop until your property is sold, we are waiting for you!