Find the stamp duty payable on a property purchase.
Your state's own stamp duty rate is applied to the property value.
Stamp duty: Property value × state rate
The stamp duty calculator estimates the stamp duty payable when you buy a property. You enter the property value and your state's stamp duty rate, and it multiplies the two.
Stamp duty is a tax levied by state governments on the documents that transfer property, such as a sale deed or conveyance deed. It must be paid for the transfer to be registered and legally valid, and it is one of the largest one-time costs of buying a home. Because banks usually do not finance it, buyers have to arrange it from savings along with the down payment.
Each state sets its own rates and rules. Rates can differ by whether the property is in an urban or rural area, by the type of property, and in some states by whether a woman is a buyer. The calculator does not look these up; you enter the rate that applies to you.
1. Find out the stamp duty rate for your state, area and buyer category from the state's registration department or your lawyer.
2. Find the value on which duty is charged. This is usually the higher of the agreement value and the government's guidance or circle rate for the property.
3. Multiply: stamp duty = value × rate ÷ 100.
4. Check whether your state adds any surcharge, cess or metro levy on top of the basic rate, and add it.
5. Add registration charges, which are calculated separately.
6. Keep the total in your cash budget along with the down payment.
Under India's Constitution, stamp duty on property transfer documents is a subject on which states set the rates. So each state notifies its own schedule, and it can change the rates, add surcharges or give concessions through notifications. This is why two identical flats in neighbouring states can attract very different duty. Because the rates are set and changed by state governments, always use the rate in force on the date of registration in your state, not a number from an old article.
States publish a minimum value for property in each locality, called the guidance value, circle rate or ready reckoner rate depending on the state. Stamp duty is normally charged on the higher of this value and the price in your agreement. If you buy below the guidance value, duty is still charged on the guidance value. This rule stops under-reporting of prices. It also means the duty can be higher than the rate times your price, so check the guidance value for your locality.
Several states offer lower rates for women buyers or for joint ownership with a woman, and some have offered temporary reductions to support the housing market. Because the duty is a percentage of value, a one-percentage-point concession on a ₹75 lakh flat saves ₹75,000. Stamp duty paid on a house purchase may also qualify for an income tax deduction under the old regime within an overall limit. These rules vary and can change, so confirm them before planning around them.
Ashok and Rekha are registering a ₹75,00,000 flat, and the sub-registrar's office has told them the applicable stamp duty rate is 6%.
Answer: Stamp duty payable ₹4,50,000
Using the agreement price when the guidance value for the area is higher.
Taking a rate from another state or an outdated source.
Forgetting surcharges or cess that some states add to the basic rate.
Assuming the home loan will cover stamp duty.
Confusing stamp duty with registration charges, which are separate.
Budgeting the cash needed to complete a property purchase.
Comparing the total cost of properties in different states or areas.
Checking the effect of registering in a woman's name where a concession applies.
Planning the timing of registration around announced changes in rates.
Why isn't there one national stamp duty rate?
Stamp duty is decided by each state in India. Each state sets its own rate, usually 3-8%, and some states give a discount for women buyers or joint ownership with a woman.