Stamp duty and registration charges are a significant additional cost over the sale price when buying property in Bangalore. Buyers often underestimate this cost because it is not factored in upfront. This guide gives you the current rates for 2026 and explains how the calculation works.
Current Stamp Duty Rates in Karnataka (2026)
| Property Value | Stamp Duty Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹20 lakhs | 2% |
| ₹20 lakhs to ₹45 lakhs | 3% |
| Above ₹45 lakhs | 5% |
An additional surcharge applies: 0.5% BBMP/local body cess is levied on the stamp duty for properties within BBMP limits.
Registration Charges
In addition to stamp duty, a registration fee of 1% of the property value (subject to a maximum of ₹1 lakh in most cases) is payable at the Sub-Registrar office. This fee is payable in cash or demand draft.
What is "Property Value" for Stamp Duty Purposes?
Stamp duty is calculated on the higher of:
- The actual sale consideration (the price mentioned in the Sale Deed), or
- The Guidance Value (also called the circle rate or ready reckoner rate) , the minimum value fixed by the Karnataka government for that locality
You cannot pay stamp duty on a price lower than the Guidance Value, even if you agreed to a lower sale price. The Guidance Value can be checked on the Kaveri Online Services portal or at the Sub-Registrar office.
How to Calculate: A Practical Example
Property sale price: ₹80 lakhs. Guidance Value: ₹75 lakhs. Since the sale price (₹80 lakhs) is higher, stamp duty is on ₹80 lakhs.
- Stamp Duty: 5% of ₹80 lakhs = ₹4 lakhs
- Additional BBMP cess (0.5% of stamp duty): ₹2,000
- Registration fee: 1% of ₹80 lakhs = ₹80,000
- Total additional outgo: ~₹4.82 lakhs
Stamp Duty for Women Buyers
Karnataka offers a concession on stamp duty for properties registered solely in a woman's name , the rate may be reduced by 1% in certain categories. Confirm the current concession with the Sub-Registrar office or your property lawyer as this may be subject to conditions.
Stamp Duty on Sale Agreement
A registered Sale Agreement (as opposed to a Sale Deed) attracts a nominal stamp duty (typically ₹200–₹500 for most values) if it is registered within 11 months. If registered beyond 11 months, full stamp duty applies. Stamp duty paid on the Sale Agreement is adjusted against the stamp duty payable on the Sale Deed later. See: Sale Agreement vs Sale Deed.
Stamp Duty on Gift Deeds and Inheritance
Gift deeds among blood relatives (spouse, parents, children, siblings) attract reduced stamp duty in Karnataka. Property transferred through inheritance (Will or succession) does not attract stamp duty, though a registration fee is payable.
Can You Reduce Stamp Duty Legally?
You cannot undervalue the property below the Guidance Value. However, legitimate ways to reduce stamp duty include: registering in a woman's name (where the concession applies), structuring a gift deed if the transfer is between close relatives, or taking advantage of government schemes for affordable housing segments.
Before registration, complete your full document verification: our property document checklist for Bangalore ensures you are registering a clean title. Also see: How the Sub-Registrar registration process works in Bangalore.