Kerala Stamp Duty & Registration Charges 2025
Owning a house in Kerala - God's Own Country is a dream for many. With its lush greenery, strong infrastructure, and top-notch education and healthcare facilities, Kerala has become a real estate investment hotspot. If you're planning to buy property in Kerala, it’s important to understand additional charges like stamp duty in Kerala and property registration charges.
What is Stamp Duty and Why is it Important?
According to the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, stamp duty is a mandatory tax paid to the government on certain documents, especially during the sale or transfer of immovable property. Similarly, the Registration Act, 1908, requires that these documents be officially registered with the Kerala Registration Department. Paying stamp duty and completing property registration gives you legal ownership rights.
Current Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Kerala (2025)
Whether it's residential property, agricultural land, commercial real estate, freehold land, or leasehold land, the stamp duty charges in Kerala remain consistent across categories.
General Charges Based on Ownership Type:
| Ownership Type | Stamp Duty | Registration Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 8% | 2% |
| Male | 8% | 2% |
| Joint (Male + Female) | 8% | 2% |
| Joint (Female + Female) | 8% | 2% |
| Joint (Male + Male) | 8% | 2% |
There is no gender-based concession in Kerala unlike other states like Maharashtra or Delhi.
Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Kerala by Deed Type
| Deed Type | Stamp Duty | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption Deed | ₹250 | ₹1,050 |
| Mortgage Deed | ₹8 per ₹100 (amount secured) | 2% of secured amount |
| Partition Deed (Family/Legal Heirs) | ₹15 per ₹10,000 (min ₹1,000) | 1% of property value |
| Partition Deed (Others) | 6% of separated share | 2% of separated share |
| Will | NIL | ₹525 |
| Certificate of Sale | 8% | 2% |
| Gift Deed (Family/Legal Heir) | ₹2 per ₹1,000 (min ₹1,000) | 1% of fair/market value |
| Gift Deed (Non-Family) | 8% | 2% |
| Power of Attorney | ₹50 | ₹210 |
| Cancellation Deed | ₹500 | ₹210 |
| Settlement Deed (Family) | 1% of property value | 1% of property value |
| Lease Deed (Less than 1 year) | ₹5 per ₹100 of rent | 2% of annual rent |
| Lease Deed (1 to 5 years) | ₹5 per ₹100 of average annual rent (AAR) | 2% of AAR |
| Lease Deed (5 to 10 years) | ₹8 per ₹100 of AAR | 2% of AAR |
| Lease Deed (10 to 20 years) | ₹8 per ₹100 of twice the AAR | 2% of twice the AAR |
| Lease Deed (20 to 30 years) | ₹8 per ₹100 of thrice the AAR | 2% of thrice the AAR |
| Lease Deed (30 to 100 years) | ₹8 per ₹100 of four times the AAR | 2% of four times the AAR |
Stamp Duty Calculation Example in Kerala
Let’s say the market value of the property is ₹50 lakh, and the sale price is ₹40 lakh. In Kerala, stamp duty and registration charges are calculated based on the higher value, i.e., ₹50 lakh.
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Stamp Duty (8%) = ₹4,00,000
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Registration Fee (2%) = ₹1,00,000
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Total Charges Payable = ₹5,00,000
Factors Affecting Stamp Duty in Kerala
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Property Type – Commercial properties attract higher stamp duty than residential ones.
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Property Value – Charges are calculated on the higher of market value or consideration value.
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Flat Rate System – Kerala follows a uniform rate across all regions – there is no urban/rural price difference.
Not Applicable in Kerala:
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No concessions based on gender, age, or location.
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Senior citizens do not receive any special discount (as of 2025).
How to Register Property Online in Kerala
Follow these steps to complete property registration online in Kerala:
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Visit the official Kerala Registration Department website.
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Click on ‘Online Applications’.
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Fill in buyer/seller details, district, and login.
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Book your appointment slot under ‘Online Token Registration’.
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Select transaction type, enter property & building details.
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Choose e-Stamp if the payment exceeds ₹1 lakh.
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Complete self-verification and apply the e-Stamp.
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Pay online and save the Transaction ID.
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Access your e-Stamp details, including GRN and serial number.
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Visit the Sub-Registrar Office at the chosen time slot to complete the registration.
Income Tax Deduction on Stamp Duty in Kerala
Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, new homebuyers can claim deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh on stamp duty and registration charges. However, this is only applicable on new residential properties.
Final Words - Stamp Duty and Registration Fees in Kerala
Understanding stamp duty and registration fees in Kerala is essential before making any real estate investment. Whether you’re buying a villa in Kochi, an apartment in Trivandrum, or a plot in Kozhikode, make sure to calculate the total cost accurately. Stay updated with the latest charges and use the Kerala online registration portal to make your buying journey easy and transparent.
