Property purchases, whether funded through personal savings or a home loan, involve extensive paperwork, legal formalities, and associated costs. Among the many terms you may encounter during this process are franking and stamping, often used in the context of property registration and documentation. But what do they mean, and how are they different?
In this article, we’ll explain the basics and highlight the key differences between stamping vs franking.

What Is Stamping?

Stamping refers to the process of paying stamp duty, a government levy that gives legal validity to your property-related documents. This applies to critical paperwork such as sale agreements, mortgage deeds, and any documentation related to the transfer of property ownership.
In simple terms, it means paying the applicable stamp duty to get your documents officially recognised. Once paid, the documents are stamped and considered legally enforceable.

Things to Know:

1. Stamp duty typically ranges between 5% and 7%  of your property’s value.

2. The exact rate varies by state, property type, and sometimes the buyer’s gender. For instance, Maharashtra offers a concession on stamp duty rates for women buyers.

3. You can pay stamp duty using:

• Traditional stamp paper
• E-stamping, which is a secure online method
• Via franking, which is explained in the next section

Even if you're purchasing a property with borrowed funds, don't forget to factor stamp duty into your overall budget. Tools like a home loan EMI calculator can help you estimate your monthly outflow, making it easier to plan for related costs such as stamp duty and property registration charges.

What Is Franking?

Franking is a way to mark your documents and show that stamp duty has been paid. It’s usually done at authorised financial institutions or lenders using a special franking machine. The machine adds a stamp or impression to your agreement, confirming that the required duty has been paid.

Things to Know:

• Franking charges are usually around 0.1%  of the property value, or 0.1% to 0.2% of the home loan amount, depending on your state.
• In some states, franking charges may be included in the overall stamp duty or waived entirely.
• Only approved lenders or agents can carry out franking.
• Franking services are generally available only during specific working hours, so it’s advisable to plan your visit in advance.

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Franking is often preferred for its security and traceability. If you're taking a home loan, your lender may require franked documents during loan processing, so it’s best to confirm this early in the application process.

Key Differences Between Franking and Stamping

Here's a quick comparison table to help you see the difference between stamping and franking more clearly:

So, when comparing stamping vs franking, it’s not about choosing one over the other – franking is simply one of the methods used to complete stamping.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between franking and stamping can help you avoid delays and manage costs more effectively when buying a home or investing in property. If you're planning to take a home loan, it’s important to check the applicable stamp duty rates and franking charges in your state so you can budget accordingly.
Looking for a trusted home loan provider? Consider SMFG Grihashakti. We offer financing of up to 90%* of the property’s value, with competitive home loan interest rates and flexible loan tenures to suit your needs. Check your home loan eligibility, estimate your EMIs, and apply online today!