Living Area (BOA)
What does it mean?
Living area (BOA, boarea) is the standardized measurement of a home's living space according to Swedish Standard SS 21054:2020. BOA is measured as the area of all above-ground rooms intended for living — bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and hallways. Measurement is done at floor level and includes area under built-in wardrobes and kitchen fittings.
BOA is the most important area measurement in property transactions and rent setting. Incorrect area measurement can be grounds for price reduction in purchases or rent adjustment. It's important to distinguish BOA from secondary area (BIA), total area, and gross area. When comparing homes, always use the BOA measurement for an accurate picture of actual living space.
Key Points
- Measured according to Swedish Standard SS 21054:2020 (replaced SS 21054:2009)
- Includes all above-ground rooms intended for living
- Measured at floor level, including area under fixed furniture and fittings
- The primary measurement for rent setting and property transactions
- Spaces under sloped ceilings count if ceiling height is at least 190 cm
Practical Tip
Always verify the stated living area when moving in — measure yourself or hire an inspector. If the home turns out to be smaller than stated, you may be entitled to a rent reduction or price deduction. The difference between BOA and BIA significantly affects price comparisons.