FAR (Floor Area Ratio)
FAR, or Floor Area Ratio, is a key measurement used in real estate to understand how much can be built on a property. It's like a recipe that tells you how many floors or how much total indoor space you can create compared to the size of the land. For example, if a property has a FAR of 2.0, it means you can build total floor space that's twice the size of the land. Real estate professionals use FAR to determine a property's development potential and value. This term is especially important for roles involving property development, commercial real estate, or zoning regulations.
Examples in Resumes
Analyzed properties with various FAR requirements to maximize development potential
Successfully negotiated zoning changes to increase Floor Area Ratio by 1.5
Managed development projects within FAR restrictions across multiple districts
Typical job title: "Real Estate Development Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Real Estate Development Professionals
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you evaluate a property's development potential based on FAR regulations?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should include analyzing current zoning restrictions, calculating maximum buildable area, considering market demands, and evaluating potential for zoning changes or FAR bonuses through community benefits.
Q: Describe a challenging development project where FAR restrictions impacted your strategy.
Expected Answer: Look for examples of creative problem-solving, such as design modifications, bonus FAR negotiations, or alternative development approaches to maximize property value while staying within regulations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you calculate FAR and what factors might affect it?
Expected Answer: Should explain that FAR is calculated by dividing total building floor area by lot area, and mention factors like zoning overlay districts, setback requirements, and height restrictions.
Q: What strategies can be used to maximize FAR on a development project?
Expected Answer: Should discuss options like pursuing variance requests, incorporating public amenities for FAR bonuses, or creative architectural solutions within existing restrictions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is FAR and why is it important in real estate development?
Expected Answer: Should explain that FAR determines how much can be built on a property and its importance in assessing development potential and property value.
Q: Can you explain the difference between FAR and lot coverage?
Expected Answer: Should explain that FAR considers total floor area across all levels, while lot coverage only measures the ground-level footprint of the building.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of FAR calculations
- Knowledge of local zoning codes
- Ability to read site plans
- Understanding of basic real estate terminology
Mid (2-5 years)
- FAR analysis for different property types
- Knowledge of FAR bonus programs
- Experience with zoning applications
- Understanding of development feasibility studies
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex FAR negotiations with authorities
- Development strategy optimization
- Team leadership on large projects
- Expert knowledge of local development regulations
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic FAR calculations
- No knowledge of local zoning regulations
- Lack of experience with development feasibility analysis
- No understanding of how FAR affects property value
Related Terms
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