Stamp duty and registration charges in Kerala (2026), with examples

If you're buying property in Kerala, budget 10% of its value for the government. Stamp duty is 8% and the registration fee is 2%. Unlike many states, Kerala gives no discount for women buyers or joint owners. Everyone pays the same.

The catch is what the 10% is charged on. Not your price, but the higher of your price and the government's fair value for that land. The state publishes a fair value for every survey number, and the Sub-Registrar won't accept less.

Example 1: price above fair value

You agree ₹50 lakh for a plot with a fair value of ₹40 lakh. You pay on ₹50 lakh: ₹4,00,000 stamp duty plus ₹1,00,000 registration fee, ₹5,00,000 in all.

Example 2: fair value above price

You agree ₹45 lakh, but the fair value is ₹52 lakh. You pay on ₹52 lakh: ₹4,16,000 plus ₹1,04,000, ₹5,20,000 in all. Writing a lower price on the deed saves you nothing.

Rates by deed type

Not every deed costs 10%. Transfers within the family are much cheaper. These are the rates most often quoted; confirm the current ones on the Registration Department portal before you budget.

"Family" has a legal meaning here: parents, grandparents, spouse, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. A gift to a cousin or a nephew pays the full rate.

What else to budget

Small fixed costs for the encumbrance certificate, certified copies and village certificates, usually a few thousand rupees. Your lawyer's and agent's fees. And if the price is ₹50 lakh or more, 1% TDS that you deduct from the seller's payment and deposit yourself. That last one isn't an extra cost, but it has to be done correctly.

How you pay

Stamp duty and the fee are paid online before registration, and the receipts go with the deed to the Sub-Registrar Office.