January 31, 2024
When purchasing a property, many people face uncertainty about what is included in the concept of “living area” of the apartment. This is a defining aspect for assessing the value of square metres, so it is important to understand the intricacies of this indicator before buying. Understanding the difference between the “total floor area” and “living area” becomes especially relevant for those who are considering the purchase of property as a shared ownership.
How the floor area of the apartment is calculated
The floor area of the apartment is calculated as the sum of the area of all the premises that make up the apartment. This is the total area of all spaces: rooms, corridors, loggias, balconies, cold compartment, built-in wardrobes, bathrooms, etc.
When calculating the total area for certain categories of premises, reduction factors determined in accordance with the regulations of the state housing policy authorities may be applied. For example, for terraces and balconies a factor of 0.3 is applied; for loggias – 0.5; and for cold compartments, dressing rooms, kitchens and corridors – 1.0.
The monthly fee, which is charged from almost all residents of Ukraine for maintenance of houses and adjacent territories, as well as for the repair of buildings, is calculated subject to the total area of the property.
This means that property, housing and public utilities services tax is charged on the total area. So, in choosing an apartment, it is important to take this fact into account, even if you have specific requirements for the number of rooms. The standards of the total area differed at different times. For example, the area of a two-room apartment in Khrushchevka can be about 46 sq. m, while in Stalinka – 58 sq. m and more. In new buildings, the area of a two-room apartment may exceed 70 sq. m. Therefore, measuring the total area of the apartment is a task that can have certain nuances depending on the chosen housing.
What is the living area?
The living area of the apartment is determined by the sum of the area of the premises directly used for living. It is important to note that the living area does not include technical premises such as corridors, staircases and other uninhabitable parts of the building. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a balcony is included in determining the living area of the apartment. Yes, balconies or loggias can be included in the living area, but it depends on local standards and rules for determining this figure. In general, the larger the living area, the more comfortable and functional the space is for residents.
What is the living area of the building?
The living area of the building defines the space that can be used for living by all the residents of the building. This includes not only the area of all apartments, but also common areas such as corridors, lift halls, lobbies and other common areas. The living area of the building is an important indicator for the calculation of maintenance and repair fees. For the residents, it is an important aspect as it affects their shared use of the building and neighbouring areas. Considering both of these areas gives a complete picture of the available living space in a residential complex or house.
Living and total floor area of the apartment
As noted, the floor area of the apartment can be divided into two main categories: total and living area. Let us look at these concepts in more detail.
Total floor area of the apartment
The total area of the apartment includes all the rooms and surrounding areas pertaining to the apartment. This includes not only the main living areas, but also compartments, balconies, loggias, terraces, verandas and other additional areas. That is to say, all rooms available to the residents for their use are meant.
Living area of the apartment
The living area of the apartment is defined by living rooms only, leaving out the kitchen, corridor and bathroom. Focusing on space, this area defines those rooms that are directly intended for living.
Using these two indicators, future tenants can clearly distinguish between the spatial possibilities and functionality of the apartment as a whole and any room in particular.
Standard of living area per person
In Ukraine, the standard of living area for the population has a legislative status and is carefully defined in accordance with the Housing Code. This standard takes into account the number of family members and their needs.
According to the legislation, each person should have at least 13.65 sq. m of the total area and at least 9 sq. m of the living area. This applies not only to adults, but also to children, who also have their own standards.
The standard of living area per family takes into account the composition of the family and may vary:
- Children of the same sex can live in one room of at least 20 sq. m.
- Children of different sexes can live in different rooms, each of which must be at least 15 sq. m.
The standards defined by the law are theoretically recognised as minimum, but practically they can lead to discussions and may not take into account real needs. For example, for a family with two children, the standards set 55 sq. m of the total area and 36 sq. m of the living area. However, in the case of a family with children of different sexes, these standards may not be sufficient, necessitating additional space for comfort and privacy.
Useful floor area of the dwelling house
Useful living area is defined as a part of the total floor area that is directly suitable for the living and daily needs of the residents. This includes living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and other premises that are intended for direct use.
However, it is important to distinguish useful living area from the total floor area, as it does not cover technical parts of the building such as corridors, lift halls, staircases and other spaces not directly intended for habitation.
The Useful living area is a crucial parameter in calculating the comfort, functionality and usability of the space for the residents and can also influence the cost and quality of the dwelling.
What is not included in the living area
The living area of the apartment consists of the premises used for living. However, some areas and spaces in a home do not qualify as living area because of their functional purpose. Let us consider below what is not qualified as the total floor area of the building:
- Technical rooms
Corridors, staircases, lift lobbies, hallways and other technical rooms that serve the building but are not intended for direct habitation. - Communications and systems
Spaces with pipework, electrical equipment, heating and air-conditioning system are not counted in the living area. - Common areas
Lift halls, corridors and other areas, which are used by all residents of the building and are not part of a specific apartment. - Technical equipment
Any equipment that is not used directly for living purposes is not part of the living area.
Considering the above, it is possible to clearly define the space that is considered habitable within a particular apartment. The correct calculation of the living and total floor areas is very important when purchasing and subsequently using an apartment.
