Real estate transactions in India involve specific measurement units that vary depending on the type of property—residential, commercial, or agricultural. Understanding these units is crucial for buyers, sellers, developers, and investors to ensure accurate property transactions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most commonly used units of measurement in real estate across different property types in India.
1. Units of Measurement in Residential Real Estate
Residential real estate includes apartments, individual houses, villas, and plotted developments. Various traditional and modern units of measurement are used in India:
a) Square Feet (sq ft)
The most widely used unit for measuring apartments, villas, and houses.
Used to measure carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area.
Common in urban real estate markets like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
b) Square Meter (sq m)
Standard international unit also adopted in India for official documentation.
Used in metro cities for measuring residential spaces.
c) Square Yard (sq yd or Gaj)
Popular for measuring plots in North India, especially in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
1 square yard = 9 square feet.
d) Acre
Used for large residential plots or townships.
1 acre = 43,560 square feet = 4,047 square meters.
e) Hectare (ha)
Less commonly used in residential real estate but significant for larger land parcels.
1 hectare = 10,000 square meters = 2.471 acres.
f) Cent
Predominantly used in South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh).
1 cent = 435.6 square feet.
g) Marla
Commonly used in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of North India.
1 marla = 272.25 square feet (varies regionally).
h) Ground
Traditional unit used in Tamil Nadu.
1 ground = 2,400 square feet.
2. Units of Measurement in Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate includes office spaces, retail outlets, malls, and industrial warehouses. These properties require precise measurements due to lease agreements and valuation factors.
a) Square Feet (sq ft)
The most common unit in India for commercial buildings, office spaces, and retail stores.
Used to measure rentable and usable space in commercial properties.
b) Square Meter (sq m)
Preferred in high-end commercial spaces and for government approvals.
Used in industrial spaces, malls, and SEZs (Special Economic Zones).
c) Acre
Used for measuring large commercial land parcels, such as IT parks and business hubs.
1 acre = 43,560 square feet.
d) Hectare (ha)
Used in large-scale commercial land development projects.
1 hectare = 2.471 acres.
e) Ground
Used in Tamil Nadu for commercial land measurement.
1 ground = 2,400 square feet.
f) Perch
Used in Sri Lanka and some parts of South India for land measurement.
1 perch = 272.25 square feet.
g) Bigha
Commonly used in North India for commercial plots.
1 bigha varies between 7,200 and 27,000 square feet, depending on the state.
h) Guntha
Used in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
1 guntha = 1,089 square feet.
3. Units of Measurement in Agricultural Real Estate
Agricultural land measurement in India follows traditional units that differ by state. Various regional terms are used across the country.
a) Acre
The most widely used measurement for farmland in India.
1 acre = 43,560 square feet.
b) Hectare
The standard unit for large agricultural land parcels.
1 hectare = 2.471 acres.
c) Bigha
Common in North India, but its size varies by state:
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar: 1 bigha = 27,000 sq ft
West Bengal: 1 bigha = 14,400 sq ft
Assam: 1 bigha = 14,400 sq ft
d) Katha
Used in Bengal, Bihar, and Nepal.
1 katha = 750-2,000 square feet, depending on location.
e) Guntha
Used in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
1 guntha = 1,089 square feet.
f) Marla
Used for small agricultural holdings in Punjab and North India.
1 marla = 272.25 square feet.
g) Kanal
Common in Punjab (India & Pakistan) for large agricultural plots.
1 kanal = 5,445 square feet.
h) Chatak
Used in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
1 chatak = 180 square feet.
Conclusion
Understanding real estate measurement units in India is crucial for property transactions, legal documentation, and investment decisions. While standardized units such as square feet and hectares are widely used, regional units like bigha, guntha, and cent remain significant. Knowing these units ensures clarity and accuracy in real estate dealings in India.
