The State Government imposes the stamp duty on property sale or mutual agreement between a buyer and seller. At the same time, the registration charges are levied to manage the operation of registration offices. Individuals planning to purchase a house in Kerala should know the rates for property registration. Keep reading to learn more about stamp duty Kerala and related variables.
Stamp duty in Kerala is levied on the consideration value or a property transaction value as on the sale deed. The registration department of Kerala decides this value of a land. Unlike other Indian states that charge 1% of property value as registration charge, Kerala charges around 2% as registration charge. This increases the overall expense of purchasing a property in Kerala. Moreover, the Kerala Registration Department has mandated the presence of buyer and seller at registration or cancellation of sales deeds. Nevertheless, let’s check what the current stamp duty rates in Kerala on properties are. You may also like what is Property Insurance and why it is important?
Stamp duty rate in Kerala is currently 8% of the consideration value or fair value, whichever is higher. At the same time, registration charges are 2% of this consideration value or fair value. These rates indicate that purchasing a property in Kerala is an expensive deal. Moreover, there aren’t any changes or gender-based concessions. Following is a table explaining applicable stamp duty charges in Kerala. [1]
| Gender/Ownership | Registration Charges | Stamp Duty |
| Female | 8% | 2% |
| Joint ownership (Male + Female) | 8% | 2% |
| Male | 8% | 2% |
| Joint ownership (Female + Female) | 8% | 2% |
| Joint ownership (Male +Male) | 8% | 2% |
The Kerala registration department does not offer any specific incentive or concession on stamp duty to women house buyers. Hence, both men and women have to pay exact land registration fees in Kerala set by the State Government. Let’s learn how to calculate the registration charges in Kerala for a detailed understanding.
Stamp duty calculation in Kerala entirely depends on consideration value or a property transaction value as on the sale deed, whichever is highest. Hence, if a property value is ₹80,00,000 and consideration rate is ₹50,00,000, then stamp duty will be charged on property transaction value. Let’s take an example to understand Kerala land registration fees on a flat in Kochi.
| Property Cost | ₹80,00,000 |
| Stamp Duty | 8% of ₹80,00,000 = ₹6,40,000 |
| Property Cost | ₹80,00,000 |
| Registration Charges | 2% of ₹80,00,000= ₹1,60,000 |
If individuals find the above calculation confusing, they can use a smart tool like a stamp duty and registration charge calculator. This tool is easily available on most lending institutions or public websites. One can also access the same on their mobile.
The stamp duty will be displayed on the screen.
After calculating the payable amount, individuals can pay their respective registration charges and stamp duty on the official website.
Individuals can pay the registration fees and stamp duty on a property in Kerala online by following these steps.
An acknowledgement slip will appear on the screen after successful payment.
Individuals should print this challan for future use. This document will also substantiate their property ownership during financial activities like availing a loan.
On the day of property registration in Kerala, both seller and buyer must carry this document and other property-related papers. They should also bring their identity proofs.
There is no offline procedure of stamp duty and property registrations in Kerala.
Let’s check the factors that significantly affect the stamp duty and registration charges in Kerala. This will help understand the concept better.
