There was until now no strict and precise definition of a living area in Luxembourg, which sometimes led to disputes between buyers and sellers.

The Luxembourg Institute for the Standardisation, Accreditation, Security and Quality of Products and Services (ILNAS) has managed to reach a consensus regarding a Luxembourg standard for calculating living areas.

It applies to all new and old accommodation, whether located in individual buildings or in a collective block of apartments.

The living area thus comprises the rooms for living in (lounges, bedrooms, kitchen, dressing rooms, closets, etc.), the bathrooms (bathroom, toilettes, etc.), the interior open areas such as hallways and stairs, as well as the usable and furnished lofts and mezzanines.

Not included in the living area are parts of rooms less than two metres in height from the ceiling, supporting elements, partitions, doorways and windows, landings at the top of staircases, and lofts that are unusable or usable but unfurnished.

Accessory areas are not included either. These are the garages, interior and external parking spaces, carports, decks, loggias, balconies, basements, attics, unheated conservatories, ducts and technical areas, as well as mezzanines.

This standard will limit litigation by providing a common language between sellers, buyers and real estate professionals.

It will also aim to identify and verify the living area, thus facilitating comparison between several properties.