EAQE Buildings, planning and building management question: disregarded in calculating a building's gross floor area

EAA EAQEBuildings, planning and building management

Under the Building (Planning) Regulations, which floor space is disregarded in calculating a building's gross floor area?

A The floor area of all balconies in the building
B Any floor below ground level that is used for shops or restaurants
C The floor area of flats sold before completion
D Floor space used solely for parking or loading and unloading vehicles

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. Floor space used solely for parking or loading and unloading vehicles

Answer: Floor space used solely for vehicle parking or loading and unloading. Why not the others: - Balconies: The general definition includes balconies in GFA (any exemption depends on separate concessions and approvals). - Basement shops: Floors below ground are included in GFA unless an exclusion applies. - Flats sold before completion: Sale status has nothing to do with GFA. Rule: GFA is the area within the external walls at each floor level, including floors below ground and balconies, but disregarding floor space used solely for parking or loading/unloading of motor vehicles, refuse storage, telecommunications access, or occupied solely by plant and machinery. Source: Building (Planning) Regulations (Cap. 123F), regulation 23; as at Oct 2026

Common mistake

Thinking basements or balconies are automatically excluded from GFA.

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An original question written to the published EAQE syllabus. Figures in the explanation carry their effective dates; check them against the current law before relying on them. Independent exam practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) or the examination administrator.

EAQE Buildings, planning and building management question: disregarded in calculating a building's gross floor area

EAA EAQEBuildings, planning and building management

Under the Building (Planning) Regulations, which floor space is disregarded in calculating a building's gross floor area?

A The floor area of all balconies in the building
B Any floor below ground level that is used for shops or restaurants
C The floor area of flats sold before completion
D Floor space used solely for parking or loading and unloading vehicles

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. Floor space used solely for parking or loading and unloading vehicles

Common mistake

Thinking basements or balconies are automatically excluded from GFA.

Practise more EAQE Buildings, planning and building management questions

Exam-style questions with worked answers, then full timed mocks. Free to start.

Start practising →

Build a daily practice habit : a few exam-style questions a day, with worked answers. Free to start.

Start practising →