Stamp duty is a state-level tax paid on property purchase in India, plus a smaller registration charge. The total ranges from 6-10% of the property value depending on state and buyer gender. The calculator estimates this for major Indian states based on 2024-25 rates.
What is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty is a state government tax on real estate transactions, levied to make the document legally enforceable. Without paying it, the sale deed has no legal standing. Registration charges are a separate, smaller fee for actually entering the transaction in government records.
Rates vary widely by state. Maharashtra is 6% (5% for women); Tamil Nadu is 7% + 4% registration (the highest combination); Karnataka is 5%. Many states offer concessions for women buyers (1-2% lower) and for joint male-female purchases.
The amount is calculated on either the agreement value or the government-assessed circle rate (ready reckoner / guideline value), whichever is higher. Buying below circle rate triggers tax-deducted-at-source under Section 194-IA of the Income Tax Act.
Stamp duty calculation
- Property value
- Transaction value—agreement value OR circle rate, whichever is higher
- State rate
- State stamp rate—varies by state and buyer gender
How to use this calculator
Three inputs: property value, state, buyer gender.
Enter property value
Use the higher of agreement value and circle rate. The latter is the government-assessed minimum for that locality.
Pick your state
Each state sets its own rates. The calculator covers the 12 most populous.
Pick buyer gender
Many states offer 1-2% lower rates for women buyers and slight concessions for joint M+F purchases.
When this calculator is useful
Property budgeting
Stamp duty can add ₹3-7 lakh to a ₹50 lakh property purchase. Plan for it before signing.
Cross-state comparison
Same ₹1 crore home costs ₹6 lakh in Mumbai vs ₹11 lakh in Chennai due to state rate differences.
Joint vs single purchase
Female-only or joint M+F purchases often qualify for lower rates. Run both scenarios to see savings.
Resale planning
When selling, factor in the buyer's stamp duty as a barrier — it affects how much they can pay you.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using agreement value when below circle rate
If the registrar's circle rate is higher, stamp duty is calculated on the circle rate. Saving by buying below circle rate also triggers TDS under 194-IA.
Forgetting to budget separately for stamp duty
Banks finance only the property value (max 80%), not stamp duty. Plan for stamp duty as additional cash outflow.
Glossary
- Stamp duty
- State tax on legal documents, especially property sale deeds.
- Registration charge
- Smaller fee for entering the transaction in government registries.
- Circle rate / Ready reckoner
- Government-assessed minimum property value per locality, used as the floor for stamp duty calculation.
- Sub-registrar office
- State office where property transactions are recorded and stamp duty paid.
- Section 194-IA
- Income Tax provision requiring 1% TDS on property purchases above ₹50 lakh.
References
- IGRS (Inspector General of Registration & Stamps) — state portals— State Governments