Gross, Net and Terrace Area: What Is the Difference?
Why the area on the title deed differs from the area you use, explained with a worked example.
Area definitions are the most commonly confused subject in property listings. Three terms need separating.
Gross area is the total enclosed area occupied by the unit, including wall thickness. Net area — usable area — is what lies between the internal wall faces and is roughly 80–88% of the gross, depending on wall thickness and columns. Terrace area is dedicated outdoor space, not included in the enclosed area and normally valued at a lower rate per m².
Worked example: Block D unit 80 has 118.65 m² of gross enclosed area and a 49.65 m² terrace, so 168.30 m² in total. The net usable area is approximately 101–104 m². In other words, the 168.30 m² in the listing is the sum of enclosed and open space — not all of it sits between four walls.
When deciding, compare prices per m² of gross enclosed area and treat the terrace as a separate value item. Combining two different definitions into a single price per m² produces a misleading result.