Gross Living Area
Gross Living Area (GLA) is the total finished floor area of a residential property that is above grade and suitable for year-round living. GLA includes all heated and cooled spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms, but excludes basements, garages, and unfinished areas.
Example
“The appraiser calculated the home's gross living area at 2,400 square feet, excluding the unfinished basement and garage.”
Memory Tip
GLA is the 'livable' space that's 'great' for daily life - if you can live in it comfortably, it counts as Gross Living Area.
Why It Matters
GLA is the standard measurement used by appraisers and real estate professionals to determine property values and calculate price per square foot comparisons between homes.
Common Misconception
Homeowners often think finished basements count toward GLA, but below-grade spaces are excluded even if they're fully finished and heated.
In Practice
A two-story home with 1,200 square feet on each level has a GLA of 2,400 square feet, but the 800-square-foot finished basement doesn't count toward this measurement, even though it adds value to the property.
Etymology
This modern real estate term combines 'gross' (total) with 'living area,' first standardized by appraisers in the mid-20th century to distinguish finished living space from total square footage.
Common Misspellings
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