Homebuyers get less usable space as apartment loading factor rises in major cities

Many homebuyers across India are discovering that their apartments feel smaller than expected. This is because a growing portion of what they pay for includes shared spaces rather than private living areas. The difference between the total advertised area and the actual usable space inside a home is known as the "loading factor."

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According to a recent report by property research firm ANAROCK, the average loading factor in India’s top seven cities has increased significantly in recent years. Back in 2019, the average loading was around 31 percent. By early 2025, that number had jumped to 40 percent. This means that only 60 percent of the area buyers pay for is usable inside the flat, while the rest includes shared spaces like corridors, stairwells, lifts, and community amenities.

Among all cities studied, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region had the highest loading factor at 43 percent. Chennai had the lowest at 36 percent. Bengaluru saw the biggest rise — from 30 percent in 2019 to 41 percent in 2025. Other cities such as Delhi-NCR, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata also showed noticeable increases over the years.

This trend reflects changing expectations from homebuyers who now seek modern features such as clubhouses, wide corridors, extra elevators, and fire safety zones. While these add to comfort and community living, they also reduce the portion of the home that is privately usable.

With loading becoming higher across most projects, experts suggest that buyers need to look beyond just the total area advertised and focus on the carpet area — the space they can actually use. As city spaces get tighter and buildings become more complex, this issue is expected to remain a key factor in housing decisions.