Karnataka Stamp Duty and Registration Charges 2026: What Changed

Buyers planning a purchase this year often search for Karnataka stamp duty 2026 changes, and the key update dates from August 2025, when the state revised its registration fee. Stamp duty and registration together are the largest costs on top of a home's price, so it pays to understand them before budgeting. Here is how the numbers work.

On stamp duty on flat Bangalore purchases, the rate is 5% of the higher of the guidance value or the sale value for property above the lower value thresholds. A 10% cess and a 2% surcharge are then applied on the duty itself, which brings the effective rate to about 5.6% of property value.

The registration fee increase Karnataka 2 percent change doubled the fee from 1% to 2% of property value. Together with stamp duty, statutory costs now come to about 7.6% of property value for most home purchases in Bengaluru.

GST works differently. It applies to under-construction homes, at 5% for non-affordable housing, but not to the resale of a completed home that has its Occupancy Certificate. For a completed purchase, stamp duty and registration are the main statutory costs.

Buyers also deduct 1% TDS on property purchases above the threshold and deposit it with the tax department. Stamp duty and registration may count within tax deductions under the old regime in the year paid.

On a resale home at SOBHA Palm Court, for example, a buyer pays about 7.6% in stamp duty and registration, 1% TDS and association transfer charges, but no GST.

Guidance values are revised periodically, and the higher of guidance and sale value applies, so check the current figure for the specific property.

Timing affects cash flow. Stamp duty and registration are paid at registration, usually from the buyer's own funds, since lenders rarely finance them. Buyers should therefore keep about 7.6% of the property value ready in addition to the down payment. Planning for this early avoids last-minute delays at the sub-registrar's office and keeps the purchase on schedule.

Karnataka stamp duty 2026 changes are best confirmed at the sub-registrar's office before registration. Our team can prepare a full cost sheet for any home.

Related reading: SOBHA Palm Court Cost Sheet Explained: Every Charge a Resale Buyer Pays and How Does RERA Protect Homebuyers in Karnataka?.

FAQs

1. What is stamp duty in Bengaluru?
   5% plus a 10% cess and 2% surcharge on the duty, about 5.6% effective.

2. What is the registration fee?
   2% of property value, raised from 1% in August 2025.

3. Is GST payable on a completed resale home?
   No, only on under-construction homes.