25.02.2026 12:13
Misleading statements based on the difference between net and gross square meters in housing advertisements are harming buyers. While some apartments that appear to be 100 square meters in the listing are actually 75 square meters, experts warn citizens not to make decisions without measuring the house on-site and reviewing official documents.
With the increasing activity in the housing market, it has become apparent that the square meter information in some listings does not reflect reality. Experts emphasize that misleading statements made particularly regarding the difference between gross and net area leave buyers facing serious financial losses.
COMMON AREAS ARE INCLUDED IN NET SQUARE METERS
One of the most common problems encountered in real estate listings is that common areas belonging to the building are shown within the net square meters of the apartment. Sections such as parking lots, stairwells, elevator areas, and shelters are sometimes distributed in certain listings and added to the size of the property. Citizens encounter listings for apartments with large square meters, but when the appraisal report is prepared or during the title deed transactions, the real picture emerges. For example, there are cases where an apartment marketed as 100 square meters turns out to be 75 square meters according to technical measurements. The 25 square meter difference means both a reduction in usable area and that the amount paid is not being compensated.
DECEPTIVE SQUARE METER STATEMENTS HAVE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
The discrepancy in square meter information is met with serious penalties in consumer legislation. If there is a difference between the area in the listing and the actual measurement, the property is considered "defective goods." In this case, the buyer can exercise the right to withdraw from the contract. A consumer who withdraws from the sale can request a refund of the deposit paid. Additionally, there is also the possibility of filing a compensation lawsuit for the damages incurred. Experts recommend that the distinction between net and gross square meters be clearly questioned and that necessary technical checks be conducted before the sale to prevent victimization in housing purchases.
“DO NOT JUST TRUST THE STATEMENT” WARNING
Speaking to Canan Yıldırım from NTV, Nizamettin Aşa, President of the Istanbul Real Estate Chamber, emphasized that the information in the listings is not sufficient for those planning to buy a home. Aşa stated that buyers should see the house they are considering purchasing on-site and, if possible, have it measured, expressing that decisions should not be made solely based on the seller's statement. Experts also point out that a critical detail like net usable area can be overlooked in the excitement of the title deed process, which can lead to difficult-to-repair financial losses later on.