The purchase of land is a real investment, whether for housing construction, farming, or holding for future appreciation. Most home buyers and investors depend on house loans to cover land acquisition costs. A serious problem in land transactions is handling various measuring units. Land is measured in India in multiple units like bigha, square feet, acre, and hectare. If you are planning to buy land, having the conversion of bigha to square feet becomes essential to make smart financial choices.
This article will walk you through land measurement unit conversion, explain the importance of unit standardization, and highlight how home loans can help you buy land.
Understanding Bigha as a Land Measurement Unit
Bigha is a traditional unit of measurement that is commonly used in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. Unlike metric units, the size of one bigha in square feet varies from location to location. This can confuse buyers, especially those who are availing of a home loan to purchase land.
This is how bigha differs from state to state:
- Uttar Pradesh – 1 bigha = 27,225 sq. ft
- West Bengal – 1 bigha = 14,400 sq. ft
- Bihar & Jharkhand – 1 bigha = 27,220 sq. ft
- Punjab & Haryana – 1 bigha = 9,070 sq. ft
- Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan – 1 bigha = 17,424 sq. ft
Owing to these variations, it is crucial to convert the bigha to square feet properly before locking a land deal.
How to Convert Bigha to Square Feet?
The conversion of 1 bigha in square feet differs from place to place. If you know the usual conversion for your state, you can use a simple formula:
Land in square feet = Land in the bigha×State-specific conversion factor
For example, if you are buying 2 bighas of land in West Bengal, the calculation would be:
2×14,400=28,800 sq. ft2 \times 14,400 = 28,800 \text{ sq. ft}2×14,400=28,800 sq. ft
For the convenience of conversion, the majority of online sources and property websites have location-based automatic bigha to square feet converters.
Common Land Conversion Units
In addition to bigha, Indian land is also measured in other units like acres, guntha, gaj, and hectares. Some of the most important conversions are as follows:
- 1 bigha to sq ft (state-dependent)
- 1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft
- 1 hectare = 107,639 sq. ft
- 1 guntha = 1,089 sq. ft
- 1 bis = 1,350 sq. ft (in some states)
These conversions will prove useful when making price comparisons for land or structuring financing on your purchase.
Importance of Bigha to Square Feet Conversion
To homebuyers and investors, bigha to square feet conversion is paramount for:
- Normalized Transactions: Square feet is a commonly accepted and used measurement in legal documents, loan applications, and property appraisals.
- Correct Pricing: Land prices are generally quoted per square foot. Knowing one bigha in square feet avoids overpayment.
- Home Loan Processing: Banks and financial institutions require standardized measurements to sanction loans. If you're taking a home loan, your lender will measure the area of land in square feet.
- Resale & Future Sales: If you're selling or renting out land, potential buyers such as square feet for comparison purposes.
Can You Buy Land with a Home Loan?
While home loans are mostly for the acquisition of built-up properties, banks do provide loans for buying land. But there are some conditions:
- Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Banks lend 70-80% of the cost of the land. The remaining balance has to be arranged by the buyer as a down payment.
- Restrictions in Land Use: The majority of lenders provide loans for the purchase of residential land and not for agricultural or commercial land.
- Tenure of Loan: Home loans taken for land acquisition are typically shorter in tenure than those for building homes.
- Property Location: Lenders finance land acquisition only in locations within the municipality or development authority-approved areas.
Having these conditions in mind can be useful if you are going to purchase land using a home loan.
How to Purchase Land with a Home Loan
- Check Loan Eligibility: Confirm whether your lender offers financing for land acquisition and assess your home loan eligibility.
- Select the Correct Plot: Ensure legal ownership, land papers, and approvals before final purchase.
- Compute Bigha to Square Feet: Use the correct conversion ratio as per location to determine the exact plot size.
- Submit Loan: Supply necessary documents, including land title, seller's agreements, and personal finance details.
- Final Registration & Payment of Stamp Duty: Get the land registered in your name after payment of stamp duty.
Home Loan vs. Rent: Why Buying Land is a Better Investment
For those weighing the home loan or rent option, buying land offers long-term monetary advantages. Here's why buying land is superior to renting:
- Asset Creation: Contrary to rent, home loan EMIs serve to create an appreciating asset.
- Tax Benefits: Home loan takers are eligible to claim tax relief under Section 80C and Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.
- Stability & Security: Property ownership provides security from rising rental rates.
- Future Potential to Develop: With land ownership, you have the choice to develop a house in the future and spare yourself the future hike in real estate prices.
When comparing the pros and cons of purchasing or leasing a house, land investment is always a welcome choice for long-term planners.
Also Read: Additional Tax Benefits for Affordable Housing
Why Grihum Housing Finance Can Assist You
Grihum Housing Finance recognizes the need for proper financial planning before investing in property. Our experts assist you with:
- Home loan funding and tax planning: Get guidance on loan facilities tailored to your needs.
- Insurance tax benefits: Know how to save maximum taxes on home loans.
- Maximizing deductions and investment strategies: Accumulate financial gains through well-informed real estate investments.
With personalized financial solutions, Grihum Housing Finance allows you to save the most and secure your future.
Conclusion
Buying land on a home loan is a strategic step, but accuracy in bigha to square feet conversion is required for proper planning. Understanding what is bigha and how it can be converted into square feet in different states helps in making good property transactions.
Whether you're purchasing land to build a structure in the immediate future or invest in the long term, being capable of converting bigha into square feet ensures transparency in legal documents, loan sanction, and property assessment.
If you are determined to invest in real estate and need expert financial services, Grihum Housing Finance is here to help you at every step. Avail the right home loan solution today and secure your financial future!
