Stamp duty and registration charges are statutory costs that apply to every property transaction in Karnataka. These charges are imposed by the state government to legally validate property documents and ensure ownership is officially recorded in government land records. For buyers purchasing residential houses, apartments, plots, or land in 2026, understanding stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka is essential for accurate financial planning. These charges also directly affect buyers applying for a housing loan, as lenders require registered property documents and proof of paid stamp duty while assessing eligibility, interest rates, and how to calculate housing loan eligibility.
What Is Stamp Duty in Karnataka
Stamp duty in Karnataka is a tax levied on legal instruments that transfer or create rights in immovable property. It applies to sale deeds, conveyance deeds, gift deeds, lease deeds, and mortgage documents. Paying stamp duty ensures the document is legally enforceable and admissible in court. Without stamp duty payment, property registration cannot be completed, and ownership rights remain legally unsecured.
Stamp Duty Charges in Karnataka in 2026
Stamp duty charges in Karnataka are based on the property value slab. As per the prevailing structure in 2026, the base stamp duty rates are:
- 3 percent for properties valued up to ₹35 lakh
- 4 percent for properties valued between ₹35 lakh and ₹45 lakh
- 5 percent for properties valued above ₹45 lakh
In addition to the base stamp duty, applicable surcharge and cess are levied as notified by the state government. These additional components are calculated on the stamp duty amount and must be paid at the time of property registration.
Stamp duty in Karnataka for property registration is calculated on the higher of the agreement value or the guidance value published by the state. This ensures that property transactions are registered at fair market values and prevents under-reporting.
Stamp Duty in Karnataka for Women
Karnataka does not offer a gender-based concession on stamp duty. Stamp duty in Karnataka for women buyers is charged at the same rate as applicable to male buyers, based on the property value slab. Registration charges also remain unchanged irrespective of gender.
Registration Charges in Karnataka 2026
Registration charges in Karnataka are fixed at 1 percent of the property value. This applies uniformly to residential, commercial, and land transactions. The value used for calculation is the higher of the agreement value or the guidance value.
How Property Registration Charges Are Calculated
Property registration charges in Karnataka are calculated using the following method:
- Identify the higher of the sale consideration or guidance value
- Apply the applicable stamp duty rate based on the property value slab
- Add applicable surcharge and cess on stamp duty
- Calculate registration charges at 1 percent of the property value
Many buyers use a Karnataka stamp duty calculator or Karnataka registration charges calculator to estimate payable amounts accurately and avoid calculation errors.
Also Read: Secured Vs Unsecured Loan : What is the Difference?
Land and House Registration Charges in Karnataka
Land registration charges in Karnataka and house registration charges in Karnataka follow the same structure. Stamp duty is applied based on the value slab, along with applicable surcharge and cess, while registration charges are fixed at 1 percent. Karnataka land registration charges and Karnataka property registration charges do not differ based on property type, provided the transaction involves ownership transfer.
How to Pay Stamp Duty in Karnataka
Stamp duty in Karnataka can be paid through both online and offline modes. The state provides a digital platform through the Kaveri Online Services portal, allowing buyers to calculate charges, generate e-stamps, and complete payments electronically. Offline payments can be made at designated banks or Sub-Registrar Offices.
At the time of registration, buyers must submit the sale deed, identity proofs, PAN card, property documents, and loan-related papers if they are availing a housing loan.
Importance of Stamp Duty for Housing Loan Processing
Stamp duty and registration charges form a significant portion of the upfront cost of buying a property. Financial institutions require stamped and registered property documents as part of the verification process before sanctioning loans. Buyers seeking the best interest rates for home loan products must ensure proper documentation, as incomplete registration or unpaid stamp duty can delay loan approval.
Understanding stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka also helps borrowers calculate housing loan eligibility accurately, as lenders assess the total cost of ownership before determining the eligible loan amount.
Use of Stamp Duty Calculators in Karnataka
A Karnataka stamp duty calculator or Karnataka registration charges calculator helps buyers estimate statutory charges quickly. By entering property value and location, users can determine stamp duty charges in Karnataka and registration fees accurately. These tools are particularly useful when planning finances before applying for a housing loan.
Also Read: How to Apply for Home Loan Without Form 16?
Conclusion
Stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka are essential components of property transactions in 2026. With stamp duty rates structured across property value slabs and registration charges fixed at 1 percent, buyers must account for these costs in advance. Karnataka does not provide stamp duty concessions for women buyers, and all transactions are calculated based on the higher of the agreement value or guidance value.
Understanding how stamp duty charges in Karnataka are calculated, how to pay stamp duty in Karnataka, and how these charges impact housing loan eligibility helps buyers plan better and avoid delays. For a smooth property purchase and loan process, buyers are advised to use official calculators, verify guidance values, and prepare all required documents in advance with support from Grihum Housing Finance.
FAQs
1. What is the current stamp duty rate in Karnataka?The Karnataka stamp duty is set at 2% for properties valued up to ₹20 lakh, 3% for those between ₹20 and ₹45 lakh, and 5% for those over ₹45 lakh.
2. What are the current registration charges in Karnataka?Registration charges in Karnataka are 1% of the property's total value.
3. How do I calculate stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka?Rates are based on the higher of the guidance value or the transaction value using the applicable slab rates.
4. What are the stamp duty charges for a gift deed in Karnataka?The stamp duty charges for a gift deed in Karnataka is 5% of the property’s value.
5. Can I pay stamp duty online in Karnataka?The stamp duty can be paid online through the Kaveri (IGR Karnataka) portal.
6. Can stamp duty be paid using debit or credit cards in Karnataka?Yes, online payment of stamp duty is accepted through credit and debit cards.
7. Are there any stamp duty concessions for women buyers in Karnataka?Karnataka does not provide any kind of stamp duty exemptions to women buyers.
8. Can stamp duty be refunded in Karnataka?Once the stamp duty has been paid, it does not qualify for a refund.
9. What documents are required for property registration in Karnataka?It is mandatory to have the sale/gift deed proof of ID, proof of residence, encumbrance certificate, khata, photos, and payment receipts.
10. What is the time limit for property registration in Karnataka?The registration of the property has to be finalised 4 months from the date of execution of the sale deed.