Why Apartment Size in Taiwan Includes the Common Areas

Understanding Apartment Size Measurements in Taiwan

In Taiwan — as in many parts of East Asia — the total size of an apartment, referred to as the “gross floor area” (建坪 / 總坪數), includes both your private living space and a proportional share of the building’s common areas.

This differs from property listings in North America or Europe, where the stated size typically reflects only the net livable area — the actual interior space within your unit.

📐 How It Works

When an apartment is listed as 50 ping (approximately 165 m² / 1,780 ft²), that total consists of:

1. Private Area (專有部分) – Interior living spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and balconies.
2. Common Area (公設比) – Your shared ownership of facilities like:
• Hallways and staircases
• Lobbies and elevators
• Gyms, gardens, or security areas
• Parking or mechanical spaces (in some cases)

If the common-area ratio is 30 %, the net usable space is about 35 ping (≈ 115 m²).

📊 Why This System Exists

1. Shared Ownership
   Apartment owners in Taiwan hold collective ownership of the building’s shared areas, so these are included in the purchase and title documents.
2. Legal Transparency
   Regulations require developers to disclose the full area — including common facilities — for taxation and record accuracy.
3. Industry Practice
   Developers often market properties using total area figures, which can appear larger; therefore, buyers should always verify the net indoor size before making a decision.

💡 Tips for Buyers and Renters

• Always ask for the “net living area” (室內坪數) before signing.
• Compare common-area ratios — luxury buildings often range from 30–35 %, while older walk-ups may be as low as 10–15 %.
• Evaluate price per usable ping, not just the total area.

🏢 Example

In other words, a “50 ping apartment” typically offers around 35 ping of actual livable space, depending on the building’s facilities and design.

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