Will Flat Owners Get Extra Space for Their Terrace in Society Redevelopment in Mumbai?
If you’re a flat owner in a Mumbai housing society undergoing redevelopment, and your flat has an attached terrace, you’ve likely asked:
“Will I get additional area or compensation for my terrace in the redeveloped flat?”
The answer depends on how the terrace is defined in your property documents and how BMC’s FSI rules apply during society redevelopment.
Terrace Space in Society Redevelopment: What’s the Norm?
In the context of society redevelopment in Mumbai, how your terrace space is treated depends on a few critical distinctions:
- Open-to-sky terraces (uncovered):
- Usually excluded from FSI calculations.
- Flat owners do not receive extra built-up area against this space during redevelopment.
- Covered or enclosed terraces:
- These are counted in the FSI.
- They may affect the size of your new flat, especially if included in your original carpet area.
- Exclusive-use terraces:
- If your flat agreement explicitly grants you exclusive use, you may have more leverage during negotiation.
- However, this does not entitle you to extra area by default under BMC norms.
Will You Get Extra Area or Compensation?
In most society redevelopment cases in Mumbai:
- Extra carpet area is not guaranteed for open terrace space.
- However, you may negotiate with the developer or through your society for:
- A new private terrace in the redeveloped structure (subject to layout and design).
- Additional carpet area as compensation.
- Monetary compensation in lieu of lost terrace rights.
Whether or not you get this depends on the developer’s willingness, design limitations, and your negotiation skills.
BMC & DCPR 2034 Guidelines on Terraces
- Under Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR) 2034, only enclosed terraces count towards FSI.
- Open-to-sky terraces that are not enclosed or covered are not included in FSI.
- Enclosing terraces post-redevelopment may require permissions and are fully FSI-consumable.
- Fire safety and ventilation rules often restrict re-creating similar terraces in taller redeveloped towers.
What Should Flat Owners Do in Society Redevelopment?
- Verify your agreement: Check if terrace usage is marked as exclusive.
- Bring up your terrace rights during society meetings: Raise the issue early during developer negotiations.
- Consult with legal and architectural experts: Ensure the redevelopment agreement protects your interests.
- Push for fair compensation: If physical recreation of the terrace is not possible, request extra carpet area or financial relief.
Conclusion:
In society redevelopment projects across Mumbai, flat owners typically do not receive extra space by default for open terrace areas. But if your terrace is marked for exclusive use or enclosed in the original plan, there’s room for negotiation. Always work through your society to secure a fair deal, whether in the form of area, amenities, or compensation.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal or architectural advice. Rules related to FSI, terraces, and redevelopment are governed by local authorities such as the BMC and may vary by project. Please consult a qualified architect, redevelopment consultant, or legal advisor to understand how these regulations apply to your specific case.