Gross External AreaGross External Area

Gross External Area (GEA) is the area of a building measured externally at each floor level. GEA is the basis of measurement for planning applications and approvals, i.e. site coverage (including plot ratio), rating and council tax and building cost estimation.


As with Net Internal Area (NIA) and Gross Internal Area (GIA), Gross External Area (GEA) data forms the basis of planning applications and approvals, building cost valuations ( residential ) for insurance, and rating and council tax.



When measuring a building or land there can often be differences as to how that particular area should be measured and what should be included in such measurements. These can have an effect for example on the extent floor area that a property is deemed to have which in turn affects the amount of rent a tenant pays and ultimately the capital value of a property. The RICS Code of Measuring Practice, to which Murphy Surveys work, aims to provide a set of guidelines by which buildings and land should be measured to avoid any disputes arising. Specific details, inclusions and exclusions are detailed in the RICS Code of Measuring Practice, Guidance Notes.


We will provide you with detailed plans and reports in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) code of Measuring Practice and to meet with your own specific requirements. The Duty of Care offered will guarantee our work is in accordance with the RICS code of measuring practice and the accuracy and detail can be wholly relied upon.



  • Accurate gross floor areas for all building layouts


  • 2D Floor plans with the required level of detail

  • Clear Floor area reports and calculations


With over 27 years experience in land and building surveying, our success to date is attributed to many factors, however it is our accuracy and high levels of quality control in addition to our client centred consultancy that we believe to be the core to our success.


Murphy Surveys are widely regarded as one of the most experienced, professional, innovative and technically proficient surveying companies in the UK.