This is how living space is calculated according to DIN 277

In order to determine the living space of a house or apartment, DIN 277 was created to enable this to be recorded. On the one hand, this allows statements to be made in the area of planning, including with regard to construction costs. On the other hand, determining the exact living space is also important when selling or renting a property. However, when calculating living space according to DIN 277, some areas are included in the living space that are not recognized as living space in other calculation methods, such as the Living Space Ordinance (WoFlV). For rooms used for residential purposes, the assessment is uniform, but for converted attics, sloping ceilings, balconies, terraces, and conservatories, there are differences in the calculation. Since no deductions are made when calculating living space according to DIN 277, this calculation method yields the highest result. This is because the calculation includes all floor space in a building, including terraces and balconies. The floor space of each room is measured from wall to wall and then the results are added together. A 3% surcharge for wall construction is added to this result, which includes plaster and wallpaper. The living space calculation according to DIN 277 is often used in the area calculation of office buildings or industrial properties.

The distinction between living space and usable space according to DIN 277 living space calculation is absolutely clear. According to DIN 277 living space calculation, the category of living space includes everything that serves the purpose of living. This primarily includes living rooms, bedrooms, and children's rooms, but also kitchens, bathrooms, and separate toilets. Private studies and storage rooms located within the apartment are also considered living space according to the DIN 277 living space calculation. If the storage room is located outside the apartment, it is considered usable space according to the DIN 277 living space calculation, but is still added to the living space. Conservatories, terraces, and balconies are counted as living space according to the DIN 277 living space calculation, at 100%.

Anyone who wants to buy an apartment or a house inevitably has to deal with the issue of living space and usable space. The term also plays an important role for tenants of a house or apartment, and the same applies if you want to rent out or sell a property. Living space and usable space are terms that are clearly defined, and as a seller or landlord, you are obliged to provide truthful information. Otherwise, the buyer or tenant of a property must be able to rely on the living space and usable space having been calculated correctly in accordance with DIN 277. Inaccurate or incorrect information can lead to unpleasant disputes, which often result in legal proceedings. The living space calculation according to DIN 277 is also of great importance in terms of financing, as banks base their calculations on this information. As a rule, the living space calculation according to DIN 277 is included in the assessed value of the property. Incorrect or unclear information provides a distorted picture and, in the worst case, can cause the financing to fail. It is therefore advisable that anyone considering purchasing or renting a property, as well as sellers or landlords, familiarize themselves thoroughly with this topic. All information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, we cannot accept any liability for the details.