Stamp duty and registration charges in India: what registration actually costs
Stamp duty is a state levy, so rates differ across India — broadly 4–7% of consideration, plus about 1% registration fee. Crucially, duty is computed on the higher of the transaction value and the government-notified value: circle rate in Delhi NCR, ready reckoner rate in Maharashtra, guidance value in Karnataka.
Why the government rate matters
If a locality's guidance value exceeds your negotiated price, duty is still charged on the higher notified figure, and the difference can also attract income tax implications for both parties. Always check the notified rate for the exact survey number or ward before finalising a price.
Concessions and variations
Several states charge 1–2% lower stamp duty when the buyer is a woman or when the property is registered jointly with a woman. Municipal cess, metro cess and local body tax may be added in metro areas. Rates change with state budgets, so verify the current figure on the state registration department portal.
- Stamp duty: 4–7% of the higher of price or notified value
- Registration fee: about 1%, sometimes capped
- GST: 1% affordable / 5% other, on under-construction only — never on ready resale
- TDS: 1% where consideration is ₹50 lakh or more
Build a full landed cost sheet
Add stamp duty, registration, legal fees, brokerage (typically 1–2%), society transfer charges, corpus and maintenance advance, parking, loan processing fee and interiors. On most metro purchases the landed cost runs 8–12% above the agreement value.
Frequently asked questions
Is stamp duty refundable if the deal falls through?
Partially, in many states, if the instrument is unused and you apply within the prescribed period — but a deduction is retained. Treat it as largely sunk.
Can stamp duty be included in a home loan?
Usually not. Lenders fund a percentage of property value and exclude duty and registration, so plan that cash separately.