Stamp duty and registration charges in Karnataka (2026)
What you pay the government when you buy property in Karnataka, and how to work it out.
The four charges
| Charge | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty | 5% | The price or the guidance value, whichever is higher |
| Cess | 10% | The stamp duty |
| Surcharge | 2% in a town, 3% in a village | The stamp duty |
| Registration fee | 2% | The price or the guidance value, whichever is higher |
The registration fee went up from 1% to 2% on 31 August 2025.
Worked example: a ₹48 lakh house in Bhatkal town
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹48,00,000 |
| Stamp duty, 5% | ₹2,40,000 |
| Cess, 10% of the duty | ₹24,000 |
| Surcharge, 2% of the duty | ₹4,800 |
| Registration fee, 2% | ₹96,000 |
| Extra to budget | ₹3,64,800 |
In a village the surcharge is 3% of the duty, so the same house would cost ₹2,400 more.
Lower rates for new apartments
For the first sale of a newly built apartment, Karnataka charges a lower stamp duty: 2% up to ₹20 lakh and 3% from ₹20 lakh to ₹45 lakh. Some websites show these lower rates for every property. Our reading is that a resale house, a plot or land pays 5% at any price. Ask the sub-registrar which rate applies to your deed.
What is the guidance value?
The guidance value is the government's minimum value for land and buildings in each area. Duty and fee are charged on the guidance value if it is higher than the price you agree. You can look it up on Kaveri Online Services (kaveri.karnataka.gov.in) or ask at the sub-registrar office.
How to pay
Duty and fee are paid online through Kaveri Online Services when you book the registration. Keep the receipts with your sale deed.
Every listing on Bhatkal Properties shows this estimate under the price. Rates change; the sub-registrar office gives the final figure.
Questions people ask
What is the stamp duty in Karnataka in 2026?
5% of the price or the guidance value, whichever is higher, plus a cess of 10% of the duty and a surcharge of 2% (towns) or 3% (villages) of the duty. The first sale of a new apartment can pay 2% or 3% instead.
What is the registration fee in Karnataka?
2% of the price or the guidance value, whichever is higher. It was raised from 1% on 31 August 2025.
How much are stamp duty and registration on a ₹48 lakh house?
About ₹3,64,800 in a town: ₹2,40,000 stamp duty, ₹24,000 cess, ₹4,800 surcharge and ₹96,000 registration fee.
Is stamp duty charged on the price or the guidance value?
On whichever is higher.