When buying or selling property in Nepal, understanding land measurement units is crucial. Nepal uses a traditional system of land measurement, which may seem unfamiliar to those who are used to the metric system. The units of measurement include Ropani, Aana, Daam, and Paisa, and knowing how to convert between these units is vital for accurate real estate transactions.
In this blog, we’ll break down the common land measurement units in Nepal and explain how they work.
1. Ropani (रोपानी)
The Ropani is the largest unit of land measurement in Nepal. It is commonly used to measure larger plots of land, such as residential properties, farms, or agricultural land.
- 1 Ropani = 16 Aana
- 1 Ropani = 1,742 square feet (approximately)
This unit is widely recognized and used in land transactions, especially for properties that are measured in larger areas. When you hear the term “Ropani,” it typically refers to a plot of land that could be used for building a house, garden, or other purposes.
2. Aana (आना)
The Aana is a commonly used unit for measuring land in Nepal, especially for smaller plots. It is the second most widely used unit after Ropani.
- 1 Aana = 1/16th of a Ropani
- 1 Aana = 108.625 square feet (approximately)
In urban areas, you will often find land or property listings in Aana when the size of the property is relatively small, like a house or apartment plot.
3. Daam (दाम)
The Daam is a smaller unit of measurement, which is useful for dividing land into smaller sections. It is commonly used in rural areas or when the land area is quite small.
- 1 Daam = 1/4th of an Aana
- 1 Daam = 27.16 square feet (approximately)
For very small properties or garden plots, Daam might be used. You’ll find this unit when dealing with extremely small landholdings, such as those used for personal gardening or small-scale agricultural land.
4. Paisa (पैसा)
The Paisa is an even smaller unit of land measurement in Nepal, typically used for measuring very tiny plots of land. This unit is not used frequently in urban real estate but may be encountered in rural or agricultural areas.
- 1 Paisa = 1/4th of a Daam
- 1 Paisa = 6.79 square feet (approximately)
Paisa is more of a traditional unit of measurement and is rarely seen in contemporary land transactions except in rural contexts.
5. Bigha (बिघा)
In some areas of Nepal, Bigha is also used to measure larger plots of agricultural land. It’s an older unit but still commonly used, particularly in the Terai region (southern plains of Nepal).
- 1 Bigha = 20 Kattha
- 1 Bigha = 67,600 square feet (approximately)
The Bigha is often used for land that is much larger than typical residential plots and is more relevant to farming or large-scale agricultural transactions.
Land Measurement Conversions
Understanding conversions between these units is essential when buying or selling land in Nepal. Here are some common conversions:
- 1 Ropani = 16 Aana
- 1 Ropani = 4,608.6 square feet
- 1 Aana = 1/16th of a Ropani
- 1 Aana = 108.625 square feet
- 1 Daam = 1/4th of an Aana
- 1 Daam = 27.16 square feet
- 1 Paisa = 1/4th of a Daam
- 1 Paisa = 6.79 square feet
- 1 Bigha = 20 Kattha
- 1 Bigha = 67,600 square feet
Why Is Land Measurement Important?
Knowing the correct land measurement is crucial for both buyers and sellers in Nepal. Here’s why:
- Accurate Property Valuation: Understanding the exact size of the property will help you determine its value. If a property is listed as 1 Ropani, but it’s actually less, this could lead to disputes and issues when finalizing the sale.
- Land Documentation: Proper land measurement ensures that the property is accurately recorded in official land documents like the Lalpurja (Land Ownership Certificate) or Sale Deed.
- Legal Disputes: Incorrect land measurement or misrepresentation can lead to legal disputes, especially if the seller or buyer is trying to fraudulently alter the land’s actual size.
- Development Planning: If you’re planning to build a house, develop an apartment, or carry out any other construction on your land, knowing the correct land size is vital for understanding your limitations or possibilities for development.
How to Verify Land Measurement
When purchasing property in Nepal, it’s crucial to verify the land measurement to avoid disputes:
- Visit the Malpot Office: To verify the size of the land, visit the Malpot Office (Land Revenue Office). This office keeps official records of land ownership and measurement.
- Get the Land Surveyor’s Certificate: If you’re unsure about the exact measurement of the property, you can hire a licensed land surveyor to measure the property accurately and provide you with a survey certificate.
- Check the Lalpurja: The Lalpurja (Land Ownership Certificate) will have the official land measurement recorded. Ensure that the measurements on the Lalpurja match the actual measurements of the property.
Conclusion
Understanding land measurement units in Nepal is essential for anyone involved in real estate, whether you’re buying, selling, or developing land. By familiarizing yourself with the units like Ropani, Aana, Daam, and Paisa, and understanding how they convert into square feet, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that all transactions are legally sound and accurate.
Always verify the land measurement from reliable sources like the Malpot Office and consult a land surveyor if needed. Accurate measurement ensures that you’re getting the value you expect from your investment.
