Such cases are rare, acknowledges the notary, but they are possible. And when they happen, it becomes a pleasant surprise for real estate buyers.
📌 However, measurement errors can force the seller to return part of the received funds.
📏 One such situation occurs when the actual area of the property is smaller than stated in the contract. But this rule does not apply to all types of properties.
🏡 Carrez Law: Protecting Buyers from Incorrect Measurements
Since the late 1990s, sellers have been required to accurately state the property’s area in documents in accordance with the Carrez Law.
⚠️ This rule only applies to:
✔️ Properties with an area of 8 m² or more
✔️ Apartments in multi-unit buildings (copropriété)
📏 How is the area calculated?
✅ The total floor area is considered
❌ Walls, partitions, stairs, doorways, windows, and communication shafts are excluded
❌ Spaces with a height of less than 1.80 m are not counted
❌ Balconies, terraces, and loggias are not included in the calculation
💡 “Now professionals have all the necessary equipment to accurately measure the area according to the Carrez method,” says Flor de Saint-Maurice, a representative of the Notary Chamber of Greater Paris.
❌ Errors are rare but do happen
Despite modern technology, measurement errors still occur.
📉 “Incorrect measurements are rare,” admits the notary. “In 20 years of my career, I’ve seen this happen only three times.”
But when the error is discovered, the buyer can receive compensation.
💰 The €20,800 Refund Story
📍 One such case involved a client who sold a 20 m² studio for €230,000.
🏗️ After purchasing, the buyer decided to renovate. The architect took new measurements and found the actual area to be 18 m².
📜 As a result, the seller and buyer agreed to reduce the price for the missing square meters.
🔄 This agreement was formalized in a correction act, and the seller refunded €20,800 to the buyer.
⚖️ What to do if the seller disagrees?
Sometimes, the seller does not acknowledge the mistake.
⏳ In this case, the buyer has one year after the transaction to go to court.
⚖️ If the court confirms the discrepancy in the area, the buyer will receive a proportional reduction in price.
📢 This case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying measurements before buying property. Even rare errors can cost tens of thousands of euros!
If you want to sell an apartment, I can help you at every step—from diagnostics to signing the sale agreement. Contact me.
📌 However, measurement errors can force the seller to return part of the received funds.
📏 One such situation occurs when the actual area of the property is smaller than stated in the contract. But this rule does not apply to all types of properties.
🏡 Carrez Law: Protecting Buyers from Incorrect Measurements
Since the late 1990s, sellers have been required to accurately state the property’s area in documents in accordance with the Carrez Law.
⚠️ This rule only applies to:
✔️ Properties with an area of 8 m² or more
✔️ Apartments in multi-unit buildings (copropriété)
📏 How is the area calculated?
✅ The total floor area is considered
❌ Walls, partitions, stairs, doorways, windows, and communication shafts are excluded
❌ Spaces with a height of less than 1.80 m are not counted
❌ Balconies, terraces, and loggias are not included in the calculation
💡 “Now professionals have all the necessary equipment to accurately measure the area according to the Carrez method,” says Flor de Saint-Maurice, a representative of the Notary Chamber of Greater Paris.
❌ Errors are rare but do happen
Despite modern technology, measurement errors still occur.
📉 “Incorrect measurements are rare,” admits the notary. “In 20 years of my career, I’ve seen this happen only three times.”
But when the error is discovered, the buyer can receive compensation.
💰 The €20,800 Refund Story
📍 One such case involved a client who sold a 20 m² studio for €230,000.
🏗️ After purchasing, the buyer decided to renovate. The architect took new measurements and found the actual area to be 18 m².
📜 As a result, the seller and buyer agreed to reduce the price for the missing square meters.
🔄 This agreement was formalized in a correction act, and the seller refunded €20,800 to the buyer.
⚖️ What to do if the seller disagrees?
Sometimes, the seller does not acknowledge the mistake.
⏳ In this case, the buyer has one year after the transaction to go to court.
⚖️ If the court confirms the discrepancy in the area, the buyer will receive a proportional reduction in price.
📢 This case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying measurements before buying property. Even rare errors can cost tens of thousands of euros!
If you want to sell an apartment, I can help you at every step—from diagnostics to signing the sale agreement. Contact me.