Arealsvik (area shortfall)

Arealsvik means the home turns out to be smaller than the seller stated. Under the sales act (avhendingslova) it is a defect when the measured area is less than stated, the deviation is more than 2 percent, and it amounts to at least 1 square metre; both thresholds must be crossed. If it is a defect, you may be entitled to a price reduction or compensation, while small deviations below the thresholds normally give no claim, because a small margin of measurement error is expected. As a buyer, compare the stated usable area in the listing and survey with what is actually measured, and if you find a larger deviation after takeover, file a written complaint as soon as possible.