What stamp duty and registration are
When you buy property in India, two government charges apply on top of the price: stamp duty, a state tax that makes the transfer legally valid, and registration charges, the fee to record the deed in the official register. Together they can add 5% to 8% of the property value — a significant, often-underestimated, upfront cost.
Because both are state subjects, the rates vary widely. Many states also give a concession for women buyers, so who the property is registered to can change the bill.
How it is calculated
Stamp duty = Property value × stamp-duty rate (%)
Registration = Property value × registration rate (%)
Total = Stamp duty + Registration
The property value used is the higher of the actual transaction value and the state's circle rate (ready-reckoner value) for that locality.
Worked example
Suppose you buy a property worth ₹50,00,000 in Maharashtra, registered in a male / joint name (6% stamp duty, 1% registration here).
- Stamp duty = 50,00,000 × 6% = ₹3,00,000
- Registration = 50,00,000 × 1% = ₹50,000
- Total = ₹3,50,000, taking the all-in property cost to ₹53,50,000
Register the same property in a woman's name and Maharashtra's stamp duty falls to 5%, saving ₹50,000. The concession and the exact rate vary by state, which is why the calculator lets you pick both.
Before you transact
- Budget it as cash. Lenders rarely fund stamp duty and registration, so keep this amount aside separately from your down payment.
- Check the circle rate. If it is higher than your purchase price, duty is charged on the circle rate, not the price you paid.
- Use the women's concession where available by registering in or jointly with a woman's name.
Pair this with the EMI calculator to see the full cost of buying — loan EMIs plus these one-time charges.
Rates shown are indicative and vary by city, property type and value slab; confirm the current rate with your state sub-registrar.