A floor plan carries more useful information than most buyers extract from it on a first look: the difference between quoted area and usable space, which way rooms face, and where structural elements limit furniture layout. This guide covers the basics needed to read one correctly before comparing units.
Gross area vs net area, and what BUA means locally
In the local market, unit prices are typically quoted against BUA (built-up area) — a gross figure that includes wall thickness and a share of shared spaces like stairwells or lobbies, not just usable floor space. Net or "carpet" area, the space you can actually furnish, is smaller than BUA, often by a meaningful margin that varies by building design.
When comparing price-per-square-meter across two units, confirm both figures are quoted on the same basis (BUA vs net) — otherwise the comparison isn't apples to apples.
Reading orientation and sun exposure
Floor plans typically include a north arrow; use it against each room's windows to estimate sun exposure — north-facing rooms get more consistent, indirect light, while south or west-facing rooms in Cairo's climate can run notably warmer in the afternoon. This matters most for bedrooms and living areas where you spend the most time.
Cross-check orientation against the building's position relative to neighboring blocks too — a technically south-facing unit shaded by an adjacent building behaves differently than an unobstructed one.
Common floor-plan symbols and what to check
Look for load-bearing walls (usually shown thicker or hatched) versus partition walls, since only partition walls can realistically be altered later. Door swing arcs show real usable floor space, not just room dimensions — a room can be a decent size on paper but awkward to furnish if door swings and columns eat into the usable footprint.
Columns, especially in taller residential buildings, sometimes land in the middle of a room's usable space — check for them explicitly, since they don't always stand out at a glance on a simplified marketing floor plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What does BUA stand for and why does it matter?
BUA means built-up area u2014 the gross figure typically used for pricing, which includes wall thickness and a share of shared building space, not just usable floor area. It matters because comparing a BUA figure to a net-area figure from a different source will make units look more different in size than they actually are.
How much smaller is net area than BUA usually?
It varies by building design and there's no fixed universal percentage u2014 ask the specific project for both figures rather than assuming a standard ratio.
Does Cairo Key provide floor plans for its listed units?
Where available, floor plans are shown on the relevant property or project page; if one isn't shown, request it directly from the project via WhatsApp before comparing that unit against others.
Is north-facing always better in Cairo?
It's generally associated with more consistent, indirect light and less afternoon heat, but the best orientation depends on which rooms matter most to you and how the specific building's surroundings affect it u2014 treat it as one factor among several, not a single rule.
Prices and availability must be reconfirmed before reservation.