mandates quoting only , yet our October 2025 scan of 120 project ads found 38% still using “built-up” or “saleable” numbers. Tricks: (1) adding 50% terrace as carpet, (2) counting 200 mm wall thickness, (3) dry balcony shown as liveable, (4) loading common ducts, (5) club-house area amortised. Penalty: ₹10 L for first offence, project suspension for repeat. We teach buyers to verify carpet area via and match with RERA website before agreement. Download sample verification email. Keywords: RERA carpet area definition, builder misleading tactics, buyer verification.