Co-ownership

Gross or net area: How to find your way through

You notice differences between the area of your condominium in the promotional document and the one indicated in the description sheet or the cadastral plan? These discrepancies can be explained. Here’s how:


Gross or net area

The gross area is calculated based on the architectural plans. It is usually used when condominiums are new or not yet built.

The net area is determined based on the actual measuring of the inside of the private portions (the one belonging to you in the condo),i.e., from the interior divisions or finishings, excluding columns and other common portions that go through the private portion such as ventilation, plumbing or electrical shafts. It’s the net measurement that should be used by the broker in the description sheet where possible.

It is therefore normal that sometimes significant discrepancies between the architectural plans and the cadastral plan exist. For your protection, it’s up to the real estate professional authorized by the OACIQ to act with caution by informing you about these “natural” discrepancies between the calculation methods used.

In the case of a new immovable or one to be built, the broker must ensure that:

  • The preliminary contract states that the area is approximate and that there could be a difference between the area indicated in the promotional document (that of architectural plans) and the net area that will be indicated in the description sheet or in the cadastral plan;
  • The seller (often the developer) gives buyers a written document informing them that the area and volume calculations of each private portion resulting from the land survey and the cadastral plan show net measurements that could be different from and inferior to those indicated in the architectural plans used to sell units.

In case of a resale, the broker must ensure that:

  • The area indicated in the Brokerage contract – Sale and the detailed description sheet is indeed the net area indicated in the cadastral plan and not the one mentioned in the original architectural plans.
For any questions, please contact Info OACIQ.

 

 

 

Last updated on: February 28, 2022
Numéro d'article: 202661