Understanding the calculation of living space in Luxembourg

Calculating living space in Luxembourg is a key issue for buyers, sellers and real estate professionals. To ensure transparency and uniformity, ILNAS 101:2016 establishes clear rules for determining which areas should be included or excluded from the calculation.

What is living area?

Habitable surface is defined as all floor areas intended for the main uses of a dwelling and complying with habitability criteria. It includes

• Living areas: living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen, dressing rooms, closets
• Wet rooms: bathrooms, sanitary facilities
• Interior passageways: corridors, staircases, etc.

However, certain areas are not included in the living area:

• Communal areas
• Rooms with ceiling heights of less than 2 meters
• Walls, partitions and load-bearing elements
• Door and window openings
• Stairwells (holes in the floor not overhung by another staircase)
• staircase)
• Unfinished attics and mezzanines
• Cellars, garages, terraces, balconies, loggias, outdoor drying rooms
• Unheated verandas and service shafts

Special case: staircases

The inclusion of staircases depends on their position and function:

Accounted for:

• Staircases located inside the dwelling
• Spaces under staircases if the floor is continuous and usable.

Excluded:

• Shared stairwells in apartment buildings
• Stairwells (openings in the floor without continuity)

Load-bearing walls and partitions: what's the difference?

Load-bearing walls are essential structural elements of a building. They are generally thick (15-20 cm or more) and are always excluded from the living area. Partitions, on the other hand, are non-load-bearing elements and serve only to divide interior space. They are counted as living space because they are removable.

Why is this standard essential?

The ILNAS 101:2016 standard prevents misuse and ensures transparency in the surface areas advertised by sellers and developers. It is therefore essential to check measurements before buying or renting.

Need professional advice?

At Nextimmo.lu, we can help you understand and verify the living area of your property. Contact us now for an accurate assessment that complies with current standards!

Official sources and references:

• ILNAS 101:2016 standard - Living area
• Detailed explanation on Guichet.lu
• ILNAS press release

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