BUA (Built-Up Area)
Built-Up Area (BUA) refers to the total floor area of a unit including the thickness of outer walls and any common wall shared with adjacent units, but excluding common areas like lobbies, staircases, and lift shafts. It sits between carpet area (the usable internal floor space) and super built-up area (which includes a share of all common areas).
In Indian commercial leasing, rents are typically quoted on a super built-up area basis, but occupancy planning is done on carpet area. The loading factor — the ratio of super BUA to carpet area — commonly runs 25–40% in Grade A office buildings. Knowing the BUA helps you cross-check whether a landlord's loading factor is reasonable. Always ask for all three figures before signing a lease.
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