Stamp Duty in Karnataka 2026: Rates, Registration Fee and Calculation
Stamp duty in Karnataka is 5% of the property value for most sale deeds, plus a cess and surcharge on the stamp duty that together add about 0.6% of the value. On top of this, the registration fee is 2%; it was raised from 1% with effect from 31 August 2025. So most buyers in Bengaluru and the rest of Karnataka now pay about 7.6% of the property value in total. Both are charged on the government guidance value or the agreed price, whichever is higher, and paid through the Kaveri Online Services portal before registration at the sub-registrar office. This guide explains the current rates, how to calculate stamp duty with examples, how to check guidance value, and how to register property in Karnataka.
- Stamp duty: 5% of the property value (sale deed)
- Cess and surcharge: cess of 10% and surcharge of about 2% on the stamp duty amount, about 0.6% of the value in urban areas
- Registration fee: 2% (up from 1% from 31 August 2025)
- Total: about 7.6% of the property value
- Value used: the higher of the guidance value and the sale price
- Where to pay and book: Kaveri Online Services (kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in)
Stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka 2026
| Charge | Rate | On ₹1 crore property |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty | 5% | ₹5,00,000 |
| Cess (10% of stamp duty) | 0.5% | ₹50,000 |
| Surcharge (about 2% of stamp duty, urban) | 0.1% | ₹10,000 |
| Registration fee | 2% | ₹2,00,000 |
| Total | about 7.6% | ₹7,60,000 |
Some guides list lower stamp duty rates of 2% or 3% for lower-value properties in certain categories. Whether a reduced rate applies depends on the property type and the current notification, so check the exact amount on the Kaveri portal before you pay. Karnataka does not currently have a separate lower stamp duty rate for women buyers on sale deeds.
Registration fee hike from 31 August 2025
The Karnataka government raised the property registration fee from 1% to 2% with effect from 31 August 2025, the first change since 2003. As a result, the total government charge on a typical sale rose from about 6.6% to about 7.6% of the property value. For a ₹10 lakh property, that is ₹76,000 instead of ₹66,000.
How to calculate stamp duty in Karnataka: examples
Step 1: find the guidance value for the property on Kaveri. Step 2: compare it with the agreed price and take the higher figure. Step 3: apply stamp duty, cess, surcharge and registration fee.
Example 1: flat for ₹80 lakh in Bengaluru, guidance value ₹70 lakh
- Value used: ₹80 lakh (the higher figure)
- Stamp duty 5%: ₹4,00,000; cess and surcharge: about ₹48,000
- Registration fee 2%: ₹1,60,000
- Total: about ₹6,08,000
Example 2: plot agreed at ₹40 lakh, guidance value ₹46 lakh
- Value used: ₹46 lakh (guidance value is higher)
- Stamp duty 5%: ₹2,30,000; cess and surcharge: about ₹27,600
- Registration fee 2%: ₹92,000
- Total: about ₹3,49,600
These are illustrations. The Kaveri portal calculates the exact amount for your document.
What is guidance value and how to check it
Guidance value is the minimum value per square foot or square metre fixed by the Karnataka Department of Stamps and Registration for each area. Other states call it the circle rate or ready reckoner rate. It is revised from time to time, and the value that applies is the one in force on the date of registration.
- Go to the Kaveri Online Services portal (kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in).
- Open the guidance value / property valuation section.
- Select the district (for example, Bengaluru Urban), the sub-registrar office and the village or area.
- Choose the property type (apartment, site/plot, agricultural or commercial) and view the value.
Read more in our guide to ready reckoner rates, which explains how government values work across states.
How to pay stamp duty and register property in Karnataka
- Register on Kaveri Online Services with your mobile number and email.
- Start a new registration application, choose the document type (sale deed) and enter property, buyer, seller and witness details.
- Upload the draft deed and supporting documents. The sub-registrar’s office checks the data.
- Pay the stamp duty and registration fee online through the portal.
- Book an appointment slot at the sub-registrar office.
- Visit with the buyer, seller, two witnesses and original documents. Biometrics and photos are taken and the deed is registered.
- Download or collect the registered deed and keep the payment receipts.
Documents and checks before buying in Bengaluru
- Title deed and mother deed with the full chain of ownership
- Encumbrance certificate (EC) for at least 13 to 30 years, available through Kaveri
- Khata certificate and khata extract (A khata for BBMP/GBA properties), and latest property tax receipts
- RTC (pahani) and mutation records for land, from the Bhoomi portal
- Approved building plan, occupancy certificate, and the project’s K-RERA registration number for new projects
See our checklist on verifying property documents and the encumbrance certificate guide.
Stamp duty in Karnataka vs other states
At about 7.6% including registration, Karnataka’s total cost is similar to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and lower than Tamil Nadu’s 9%. Compare states in our stamp duty in India guide, stamp duty in UP and TNREGINET (Tamil Nadu). Planning to buy in the city? Read the best localities to invest in Bangalore and browse property listed in Bengaluru.
Frequently asked questions
What is the stamp duty in Karnataka in 2026?
Stamp duty on a sale deed in Karnataka is 5% of the property value, plus cess and surcharge of about 0.6%. With the 2% registration fee, the total is about 7.6% of the property value.
What is the registration fee in Karnataka?
The registration fee is 2% of the property value. It was raised from 1% with effect from 31 August 2025.
Is stamp duty in Bangalore different from the rest of Karnataka?
The stamp duty rate is the same across Karnataka. The surcharge on stamp duty can differ between urban and rural areas, and guidance values differ by location.
Is there a stamp duty concession for women in Karnataka?
Karnataka does not currently have a separate lower stamp duty rate for women buyers on sale deeds. Check the Kaveri portal for any new notification before registering.
Is stamp duty charged on guidance value or sale price?
Stamp duty and registration fee are charged on whichever is higher: the guidance value or the agreed sale price.
How do I pay stamp duty in Karnataka?
Create an application on Kaveri Online Services, enter the deed and property details, pay the stamp duty and registration fee online, then book a slot at the sub-registrar office to complete registration.
How much is stamp duty on a ₹50 lakh flat in Bangalore?
At 5% stamp duty plus about 0.6% cess and surcharge, stamp duty is about ₹2.8 lakh. With the 2% registration fee of ₹1 lakh, the total is about ₹3.8 lakh, if ₹50 lakh is higher than the guidance value.
Can I claim tax benefit on stamp duty paid in Karnataka?
Stamp duty and registration fee on buying a residential house can be claimed under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, within the overall limit, in the year of payment, if you use the old tax regime.
Stamp duty, cess, surcharge, registration fee and guidance values are set by the Government of Karnataka and can change by notification. Check the exact amount for your document on Kaveri Online Services or at the sub-registrar office before paying. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Sources: Department of Stamps and Registration, Karnataka (Kaveri Online Services); reports on the registration fee increase effective 31 August 2025.
