Also called: Loading, Load factor, Common area loading
The percentage by which a flat's super built-up area exceeds its carpet area. It is your share of lobbies, lifts, stairs and other common areas added on top of the space you actually use.
How it works and what to check
Loading factor = (super built-up area − carpet area) ÷ carpet area. A builder that quotes super built-up area sets the loading, which is why it differs widely between projects. High-rise towers with large lobbies and clubhouses tend to carry more loading than low-rise buildings.
Since RERA requires the price of a registered project to be stated against carpet area, loading matters most for resale listings and older projects quoted on super area, and for offices let on chargeable area.
Ask for the carpet area in writing and work out the price per square foot of carpet before you compare two homes.
Subtract the carpet area from the super built-up area and divide by the carpet area. Multiply by 100 for a percentage.
What is a normal loading factor?
There is no legal standard. Super built-up area is often around a quarter to a third more than carpet, but it varies by project, so always ask for the carpet figure.