The living area is a crucial element for the sale and purchase of a property. Its calculation is governed by law and differs depending on whether the property is a single-family or multi-family dwelling. Here is everything you need to know.

Residential property: the importance of living space

The calculation of the living area is governed by a standard which only covers residential properties. Only a tolerance of 5 % more or less is accepted.

This standard aims to facilitate the transmission of information between the various parties: owners, buyers, real estate agents, etc. It allows for calculate a purchase price per m² and thus facilitate the comparison of property prices between several houses or flats in the same neighbourhood.

Calculation of the living area in Luxembourg

The living area corresponds to a Intramural area. The measurements are taken at the level of the skirting boards.

Differences between habitable and accessory

The calculation of the living area of a house or flat excludes rooms not intended for habitation. These are referred to as "ancillary areas".

These include:

• Common areas, utility rooms, unheated cellars, garages and conservatories
• The m² of an attic room with a ceiling height of less than 2 m (only for collective housing)
• Unfinished attics and mezzanines
• Walls, pillars, partitions, elements under doors or windows
• The living area (useful area) is limited to :
• Living rooms and night areas: living room, dressing room, master suite, kitchen...
• Bathrooms and shower rooms
• Traffic areas: corridors, halls, stairs, etc.

Calculation of the surface area

For a non-collective residential property, the calculation is as follows:
Living area of a residence with a non-vertical land register = Living rooms + shower rooms + interior circulation areas

In the case of collective housing, the calculation is as follows:
Living area of a dwelling with vertical registration = Useful area - (areas under slopes less than 2 m high + areas covered by partitions)

This standard has been introduced so that everyone involved in the sale of a property can make this calculation themselves. If you are selling your house, your estate agent will take care of the measurements.

To go further...

If you want to know exactly what should be included in this type of calculation, please consult this article from Guichet.lu. It lists all the elements that must be taken into account, as well as those that must be excluded from the calculation.