Entering a model home can be overwhelming with unfamiliar real estate terms like exclusive area, bay, flat type, and alpha room. Knowing these terms in advance can help buyers accurately compare the actual size, layout, and options of homes.
Understanding area measurements: square meters vs. pyeong
When discussing real estate, people often ask, "How many pyeong is it?" However, sales announcements and contracts use square meters (㎡). In model homes, it is more accurate to distinguish between exclusive area and supply area rather than relying on pyeong.
For instance, an "exclusive 84㎡" is commonly referred to as a "32-pyeong" unit. However, dividing 84㎡ by 3.3㎡ yields approximately 25.5 pyeong. The discrepancy arises because exclusive area and supply area are different.
Exclusive area refers to the space used for residential purposes within the unit. Common area includes spaces shared by multiple units, such as staircases, hallways, and elevators. The supply area is the sum of the exclusive area and the common area.
Service area refers to spaces like balconies that are not included in the exclusive or supply area. Choosing to expand a balcony can increase usable space, but the specific expansion area and costs should be verified with each project.
What is a bay? Don't just focus on the numbers
Bay refers to the number of spaces, such as living rooms and bedrooms, arranged in the same direction from the front balcony in an apartment layout. Typically, if a living room and one bedroom are at the front, it is called a 2-bay unit; if there are two bedrooms, it is a 3-bay unit; and if there are three bedrooms, it is a 4-bay unit.
A higher number of bays can enhance natural light and space utilization. However, evaluating a home's advantages and disadvantages based solely on the number of bays can be misleading. Even within the same 4-bay designation, the actual living environment can vary based on room sizes, window orientations, and cross-ventilation.
Differences between flat and tower-type structures
Flat type refers to a layout where units are arranged in a relatively linear fashion. This design typically allows for easier placement of living rooms and bedrooms at the front and facilitates cross-ventilation.
Tower type or top-type structures are designed to provide views from various directions by arranging units in different orientations. The direction and placement of windows can affect light and ventilation conditions for each unit.
Alpha rooms, pantries, and PL types: similar but distinct
Alpha room is a space created from surplus area during the layout design process, which can be used as a study, playroom, or dressing room.
Pantry is a storage space for items, typically located near the kitchen for storing groceries, and is increasingly found in entryways or hallways.
PL type may vary in name and application depending on the project. Some projects refer to multi-purpose spaces utilizing service areas like balconies as PL types, so it is essential to check the actual floor plan, provided area, and expansion options rather than assuming it means an additional room.
Additionally, terms like coffered ceiling, door damper, and walk-in closet are also commonly encountered in model homes.
Check for price ceiling, resale restrictions, and residency requirements
In model homes, it is important to verify not only the structure of the home but also terms related to sales conditions.
Price ceiling is a system that limits the sale price to a certain standard. Resale restrictions limit the resale of rights or homes for a specified period. If residency requirements apply, buyers may be required to live in the home for a designated time.
Resale restrictions and residency requirements can vary based on the complex, region, and timing of the sale, making it crucial to confirm what regulations apply to the specific development.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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