Size of flat isn't as advertised?

snowqueen555

How common is it to buy a flat and it isn't as big as stated? It's a new build and was quoted as 55sqm. I did some measurements today and it is more accurately 50sqm, and I measured everything carefully and even drew up my own floorplan on a floor planning app to ensure it's all correct, to include the corridors and cupboard space.

I've also noticed most flats I view in general tend to measure less than stated on an EPC, so if I go to view a flat that is 65sq it will measure 58sqm internally, or most flats that are 45sqm will often measure a lot less, like 39sqm.

Is it worth questioning this with the developer, 5sqm is a good chunk of space.

user1977

snowqueen555 said:

How common is it to buy a flat and it isn't as big as stated? It's a new build and was quoted as 55sqm. I did some measurements today and it is more accurately 50sqm, and I measured everything carefully and even drew up my own floorplan on a floor planning app to ensure it's all correct, to include the corridors and cupboard space.

I've also noticed most flats I view in general tend to measure less than stated on an EPC, so if I go to view a flat that is 65sq it will measure 58sqm internally, or most flats that are 45sqm will often measure a lot less, like 39sqm.

Is it worth questioning this with the developer, 5sqm is a good chunk of space.

"Quoted as" meaning what exactly? Were they talking external area and you're measuring internal?

Presumably you haven't bought it yet, given your other threads?

snowqueen555

user1977 said:

snowqueen555 said:

How common is it to buy a flat and it isn't as big as stated? It's a new build and was quoted as 55sqm. I did some measurements today and it is more accurately 50sqm, and I measured everything carefully and even drew up my own floorplan on a floor planning app to ensure it's all correct, to include the corridors and cupboard space.

I've also noticed most flats I view in general tend to measure less than stated on an EPC, so if I go to view a flat that is 65sq it will measure 58sqm internally, or most flats that are 45sqm will often measure a lot less, like 39sqm.

Is it worth questioning this with the developer, 5sqm is a good chunk of space.

"Quoted as" meaning what exactly? Were they talking external area and you're measuring internal?

Presumably you haven't bought it yet, given your other threads?

Yes, the floorplans and brochure. It is reserved and I am currently undergoing the purchase process, looking for a conveyancer etc.

MikeJXE

The area is total outside measurement not inside 

eddddy

snowqueen555 said:

Is it worth questioning this with the developer, 5sqm is a good chunk of space.

What outcome would you be looking for? 

Is it that you want to cancel your reservation, and get your reservation fee back?

Or is that you'd like them to reduce the asking price? I doubt that their pricing policy is based directly on floor area, so I doubt they'd see this as a reason to reduce the price.

I suspect their view would be that, if you're not prepared to pay the asking price, they'll find another buyer who will. But I guess you can give it a try.

Veteransaver

On the original plans did it have the dimensions of each room? Or did they just quote total flat area which would be the external area / footprint?
If each room dimension was given and your measurements are significantly different then you may have an argument.
I've had friends pull out of new builds purchases because the garden area was significantly different to that in the original plans. They had to fight to get the deposit back though

snowqueen555

eddddy said:

snowqueen555 said:

Is it worth questioning this with the developer, 5sqm is a good chunk of space.

What outcome would you be looking for? 

Is it that you want to cancel your reservation, and get your reservation fee back?

Or is that you'd like them to reduce the asking price? I doubt that their pricing policy is based directly on floor area, so I doubt they'd see this as a reason to reduce the price.

I suspect their view would be that, if you're not prepared to pay the asking price, they'll find another buyer who will. But I guess you can give it a try.

Yeah I'd be looking for a discount. I managed to already get 5k off the asking price so I'm not sure if it would be possible or cheeky to ask again. There wasn't any negotiation when I requested that. If you look at my previous post I was concerned because it is electric only.

Bear in mind flats advertised as slightly larger at 60sqm were 10k more in asking, and ones at 45sqm £20k cheaper. 

snowqueen555

Veteransaver said:

On the original plans did it have the dimensions of each room? Or did they just quote total flat area which would be the external area / footprint?
If each room dimension was given and your measurements are significantly different then you may have an argument.
I've had friends pull out of new builds purchases because the garden area was significantly different to that in the original plans. They had to fight to get the deposit back though

Yes the floorplans are on there but usually they don't include corridor or bathroom area so you can only go on their quoted figure for floorspace. The brochure was also made from the original architect design, so there were some big differences. For example they made much larger bedroom at the expense of the living room but total area is quite short. I didn't mind small tolerances but 5sqm is a lot of space for a flat.

km1500

certainly on estate agents' particulars they say the brochure including sizes are just a guide do your own measurements blah blah blah maybe the same is true for developers documentation

Albermarle

MikeJXE said:

The area is total outside measurement not inside 

I have just checked on Right Move, some random flats in our area, including a new one. Every one quotes the ( approx ) internal floor space on the floorplan.
Some include bathroom and hallways, and some not.
I think this is normal as the external area is not a very useful figure for a buyer ?

gwynlas

In this country property is not generally valued at price per square yard or metre as it is in France and even there if varies enormously even within the same area and they include balcony space and cellar storage. You could ask them to clarify their claim using your evidence that itfails to measure up particularly if they are offering smaller properties cheaper. Often it is the internal design that is most important with the architect making the best use of space to aid daily living.