Stamp Duty Guide India: State-Wise Rates, Calculator & How to Save
Stamp duty and registration charges add 5-11% to your property cost. On a ₹1 crore property, that is ₹5-11 lakh in upfront charges before you even start paying EMI. Understanding state-specific rates and available concessions can save you lakhs.
Last updated: 23 February 2026, 5:00 PM IST
Stamp duty is the most overlooked cost in property buying. Buyers focus on the property price and EMI but forget that stamp duty, registration, and associated charges can add ₹5-15 lakh to the total acquisition cost. Worse, these rates vary dramatically by state — Tamil Nadu charges 11% (stamp + registration) while Karnataka charges as low as 3% for smaller properties.
This guide covers stamp duty rates for the five states where most property transactions happen: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. If you are evaluating whether to rent or buy property in India, stamp duty is one of the largest sunk costs to factor in. Use the calculator below to compute your exact cost, then read the state-by-state breakdown and savings strategies.
Stamp Duty Calculator
Metro cities: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur
Women Buyer Discount Available
A woman buyer saves ₹50,000 on this property compared to a male buyer in Maharashtra.
Data Sources
- Maharashtra IGR — Stamp Duty Rates (2025-26) — igrmaharashtra.gov.in
- Karnataka Kaveri — Registration Charges (2025) — kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in
- Delhi Revenue Dept — Circle Rates & Duty (2025) — revenue.delhi.gov.in
- TN Registration Dept (2025) — tnreginet.gov.in
- Telangana IGRS (2025) — registration.telangana.gov.in
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State-Wise Stamp Duty Comparison (2026)
| State | Stamp Duty | Registration | Women Discount | Metro Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 6% | 1% | 1% less (5%) | 1% Mumbai cess |
| Karnataka | 2-5% | 1% | 1% less (≤45L) | 10% BBMP surcharge |
| Delhi | 6% | 1% | 2% less (4%) | None |
| Tamil Nadu | 7% | 4% | None | None |
| Telangana | 5-5.5% | 0.5% | None | 0.5% GHMC |
Maharashtra: Mumbai vs Rest of State
How much stamp duty do women buyers save in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has a base stamp duty of 6% for male buyers and 5% for women (1% concession). Mumbai adds a 1% metro cess, pushing rates to 7% (male) and 6% (female). For a ₹1 crore property in Mumbai with a male buyer: stamp duty ₹7 lakh + registration ₹30,000 (capped) = approximately ₹7.3 lakh. A woman buyer saves ₹1 lakh on the same property. Outside Mumbai, the total is ₹6.3 lakh (male) and ₹5.3 lakh (female).
Karnataka: Slab-Based System Favours Smaller Properties
Karnataka is unique with slab-based stamp duty: 2% up to ₹20 lakh, 3% for ₹20-45 lakh, and 5% above ₹45 lakh. This means a ₹40 lakh flat in Bangalore attracts just 3% stamp duty (₹1.2 lakh) plus 1% registration (₹40,000). But a ₹80 lakh flat jumps to 5% (₹4 lakh) plus BBMP 10% surcharge (₹40,000) plus registration (₹80,000) = ₹5.2 lakh total. Women buyers get 1% less on properties up to ₹45 lakh.
Delhi: Best Women Buyer Discount in India
Delhi offers the most generous women buyer concession: 4% vs 6% for men — a flat 2% difference. On a ₹1.5 crore property, a woman buyer saves ₹3 lakh compared to a male buyer. Registration is a flat 1% with no cap. No metro surcharge applies anywhere in Delhi. Strategy: consider registering in the woman's name or as a joint owner with the woman as the first holder.
Tamil Nadu: Highest Combined Rate at 11%
Tamil Nadu has the highest combined stamp duty + registration rate in India at 11% (7% stamp + 4% registration). No gender-based concessions are available. On a ₹75 lakh property, total charges are ₹8.25 lakh — more than one year's home loan EMI on the same property. This makes it especially important for Tamil Nadu buyers to factor in acquisition costs when budgeting for a property purchase.
Telangana: GHMC Premium
Telangana charges 5% stamp duty outside GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) and 5.5% within GHMC. Registration is 0.5% and transfer duty is 1.5%. Total effective rate within GHMC is approximately 7.5%. No gender concessions are available. Hyderabad property buyers should note that properties in areas like Gachibowli, HITEC City, and Madhapur fall within GHMC and attract the higher rate.
How to Save on Stamp Duty
1. Register in a Woman's Name
In Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka, registering the property in a woman's name (spouse, mother, or daughter) saves 1-2% on stamp duty. On a ₹1 crore property, this is ₹1-2 lakh in direct savings.
2. Buy During Government Concession Periods
States occasionally announce temporary stamp duty reductions to boost the real estate market. Maharashtra offered a 3% reduction during COVID-19 (2020-21) that saved buyers lakhs. Watch for such announcements around state budgets (February-March).
3. Claim Under Section 80C
Stamp duty and registration charges qualify for Section 80C deduction (up to ₹1.5 lakh, shared with EPF/PPF/ELSS) in the year of payment. This works only under the Old Tax Regime. Use our Tax Regime Comparator to check if claiming this deduction benefits you.
4. Negotiate the Agreement Value Carefully
Stamp duty is levied on the higher of agreement value or circle rate. If the circle rate is ₹90 lakh but you are paying ₹1 crore, you pay stamp duty on ₹1 crore. If the market allows you to negotiate closer to the circle rate, your stamp duty obligation decreases proportionally.
Related Calculators
- Rent vs Buy Calculator — Include stamp duty in the total cost of buying vs renting
- EMI Calculator with Prepayment — Calculate home loan EMI after adding stamp duty to down payment
- Tax Regime Comparator — Check if 80C deduction for stamp duty benefits you
This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, tax laws, interest rates, and financial regulations change frequently. Always verify current rates and rules with official government sources before making decisions. RupayWise (Kompella Tech Pvt. Ltd.) is not liable for any decisions made based on information provided on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stamp duty and why is it mandatory when buying property?
Stamp duty is a tax levied by state governments on property transactions under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899. It serves as legal evidence that you have paid the government tax on your property transfer. Without stamp duty payment, the sale deed is not legally valid and cannot be produced as evidence in court. It is typically 4-7% of the property value depending on the state, making it one of the largest upfront costs of buying property.
Do women buyers get lower stamp duty rates in India?
Yes, several states offer reduced stamp duty for women buyers. Maharashtra offers a 1% concession (5% instead of 6%), Delhi offers a significant 2% reduction (4% instead of 6%), and Karnataka offers 1% less for properties up to ₹45 lakh (2% instead of 3%). On a ₹1 crore property in Delhi, this saves ₹2 lakh. Tamil Nadu and Telangana currently do not offer gender-based concessions. Many financial advisors recommend registering property in the woman's name or as a joint owner to avail this benefit.
Is stamp duty calculated on the agreement value or the circle rate?
Stamp duty is calculated on whichever is higher — the agreement value (the price you negotiated) or the circle rate/guidance value (the government-set minimum value for that locality). If you buy a property for ₹80 lakh but the circle rate values it at ₹1 crore, you pay stamp duty on ₹1 crore. Under income tax rules, if the stamp duty value exceeds the agreement value by more than 10%, the buyer may face tax implications under Section 56(2)(x).
What are the stamp duty rates in Maharashtra in 2026?
Maharashtra stamp duty rates: 6% for male buyers, 5% for women buyers (1% concession). In Mumbai, an additional 1% metro cess applies, making it 7% (male) and 6% (female). Registration charge is 1% (capped at ₹30,000). Properties above ₹30 lakh in Mumbai municipal areas may also attract a 1% LBT surcharge. Total acquisition cost in Mumbai for a ₹1 crore property (male buyer) is approximately ₹8-9 lakh in duties and charges.
How does Karnataka stamp duty work for different property values?
Karnataka has a slab-based system: properties up to ₹20 lakh attract 2% stamp duty, ₹20-45 lakh attract 3%, and above ₹45 lakh attract 5%. Women buyers get 1% less on properties up to ₹45 lakh. Properties within BBMP (Bangalore) limits attract an additional 10% surcharge on stamp duty (making effective rates 2.2%, 3.3%, or 5.5%). Registration charge is 1% across the board.
What are the stamp duty rates in Delhi for 2026?
Delhi stamp duty is 6% for male buyers and 4% for women buyers — one of the highest gender discounts in the country. Registration charge is 1% of the property value. There is no metro cess or surcharge in Delhi. For a ₹1 crore property, a woman buyer saves ₹2 lakh in stamp duty compared to a male buyer. Joint registration with a woman as the first owner still qualifies for the reduced rate in most cases.
How much stamp duty do I pay in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu has some of the highest stamp duty in India at 7% flat rate regardless of buyer gender. Registration charge is an additional 4%, making the combined rate 11% of property value. On a ₹50 lakh property, you pay ₹5.5 lakh in duties — a significant upfront cost. Tamil Nadu does not currently offer concessions for women buyers, first-time buyers, or specific property value slabs.
What is Telangana's stamp duty rate and GHMC surcharge?
Telangana stamp duty is 5% for properties outside GHMC limits and 5.5% within GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation). Registration charge is 0.5% of property value. The transfer duty is an additional 1.5%. Total effective rate within GHMC is approximately 7.5% of property value. Telangana does not currently offer gender-based concessions on stamp duty rates.
Can stamp duty be claimed as a tax deduction?
Yes. Stamp duty and registration charges paid for a residential property can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to the overall ₹1.5 lakh limit (shared with EPF, PPF, ELSS, etc.). This deduction is available only in the year the payment is made, and only under the Old Tax Regime. The New Tax Regime does not allow Section 80C deductions, so stamp duty costs cannot be claimed there.
What is the total acquisition cost of buying a property including all charges?
Total acquisition cost goes well beyond the property price. It includes stamp duty (4-7%), registration charges (0.5-4%), GST (5% for under-construction from builder, nil for ready-to-move), brokerage (1-2%), legal fees (₹10,000-50,000), home loan processing fee (0.25-1%), and society transfer charges (₹25,000-2 lakh). For a ₹1 crore property, total additional costs typically range from ₹8-15 lakh depending on the state and property type.
Related Resources
Guides
- Rent vs Buy Guide — Should you buy a home or keep renting in India? Complete guide with NPV calculator for 5 major cities.
- EMI Guide — Everything about home loan EMI — calculation, prepayment strategies, and how to save lakhs in interest.
- Stamp Duty Tips — Legal strategies to reduce stamp duty: women ownership, PMAY, resale vs new, joint registration, and state-specific exemptions.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. Stamp duty rates are based on publicly available government data and may change without notice. Actual stamp duty may vary based on property type, specific municipal regulations, and government notifications. This does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult a qualified legal professional or your sub-registrar office for exact stamp duty applicable to your transaction. RupayWise is not a SEBI-registered financial advisor.