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The surface area is an essential factor when you want to sell or buy a property. For the seller, it is a legal obligation and a way to set the fairest price. For the buyer, it is the basis for calculating the profitability of the transaction. But should you have your apartment measured by a professional? Here’s our take on it.
If you plan to sell your apartment, the French law n° 96-1107 of December 18, 1996, commonly known as the “Carrez Law,” requires you to provide the exact private surface area of the property. This law is designed to protect buyers purchasing co-ownership units.
The private surface area, stated in the deed of sale, is measured as follows:
- Includes all areas with a ceiling height above 1.80 m.
- Excludes spaces occupied by walls, partitions, staircases, door frames, and windows.
- Does not include rooms smaller than 8 m², terraces, balconies, parking spaces, or cellars.
Key Point : Property owners are not legally required to hire a professional for this measurement. However, doing so comes with tangible benefits, such as obtaining an official measurement certificate.
When measuring a property, it’s crucial to distinguish between private surface area and living space.
- Private surface area accounts for the entire space of the property, following the Carrez Law criteria. This is essential for selling a property.
- Living space does not include basements, convertible attics, verandas, etc. It is used for rental purposes and is regulated by the Boutin Law.
Accurate Property Valuation
If you want an accurate estimate of your property’s value before selling, both private surface area and living space must be measured correctly. These figures help determine a fair price.
For example, in a city where the price per square meter is €10,00, a miscalculation of just 2 m² could mean a €20,000 loss. A larger miscalculation could significantly reduce your profit.
Obtaining an Official Measurement Certificate
A measurement certificate is only valid when performed by a professional. Many real estate agencies require this document to ensure compliance with legal standards. If an agency lists a property with an incorrect surface area, it can damage its reputation. The certificate protects against such risks.
Avoiding Measurement Errors
Measuring your own apartment might seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can have big consequences. Misjudging ceiling heights or failing to exclude non-countable areas can distort the final calculation.
If the actual surface area is overestimated by more than 5% compared to the figure stated in the sales contract, the buyer is legally entitled to a price reduction. Conversely, underestimating the area does not increase the price—meaning you could be at a financial disadvantage in both cases.
Measuring an Atypical Property
If your home has uniform ceiling heights and a simple layout, you may be able to measure it yourself. However, most properties have irregular shapes, sloped ceilings, or built-in storage that complicate the calculations. Unless you have strong geometry skills, hiring an expert is usually the best option.
You can contact either a land surveyor or a property diagnostician to measure your apartment. These professionals use specialized tools to determine the private surface area of co-ownership properties. They also refer to the property’s division description and condominium regulations to ensure accuracy. Upon completion, they provide a certified measurement document.
You can consult the government’s directory of property diagnosticians or conduct a local search to find the best professional for your needs.
Unless your property is small, without additional spaces (garage, storage rooms), and easy to measure, hiring a professional is highly recommended. It’s a practical solution that helps prevent disputes and ensures your property is valued correctly.
Source : edito.seloger.com
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