Bruttoala

Bruttoala is a term used in Finnish architecture, real estate, and construction to denote the gross floor area of a building or a defined part of it. It represents the total floor space inside the building’s exterior envelope, including all usable and non-usable spaces on all levels, such as living areas, kitchens, hallways, stairs, storage rooms, and technical spaces. The measurement is usually taken from the inside faces of exterior walls, or from the outer boundary, depending on the standard used.

Bruttoala is typically contrasted with nettoala (net floor area), which measures only the spaces that can be used for their intended purpose, excluding walls, stairwells, shafts, and other non-usable spaces. In most cases bruttoala is greater than or equal to nettoala. Some calculations also distinguish between gross area per floor and total gross area.

Exact scope varies by jurisdiction and standard. In Finland, the term is widely used in property listings and building documentation, but the precise inclusions can differ between contracts and regulatory documents. Some definitions include balconies or terraces; others exclude them, or treat them as separate figures.

Uses: Bruttoala is used in property valuation, sales and leasing, planning and building regulations, and for comparing properties. It is often reported alongside nettoala in property brochures; buyers and tenants should review which inclusions apply to a given figure. The concept also appears in other Nordic languages with similar meanings, reflecting cross-border influences in architectural and real estate practice.