Glossary & framework library

Floor area ratio (FAR)

Feasibility & Development

Reference

The ratio of a building total floor area to the size of its plot; a key planning control.

Related terms

  • Gross floor area (GFA)

    The total built floor area of a building measured to the outside of external walls.

  • Hard costs

    The direct construction costs of a development - materials and labour.

  • Masterplan

    A long-term spatial framework guiding the layout and phasing of a large development.

  • Net leasable area (NLA)

    The floor area that can actually be leased to tenants, excluding common areas.

  • Off-plan

    Selling units before or during construction, financing the build from buyer deposits.

  • Phasing

    Sequencing a development into stages to match delivery with absorption and manage risk.

  • Practical completion

    The stage at which a building is finished enough to be occupied for its intended use.

  • Snagging

    Identifying and fixing defects in a newly built property before handover.