Buying property in Kerala is a significant investment not just because of the financial commitment, but also due to the state’s unique blend of natural beauty, infrastructure development, and cultural richness. The growth of IT parks and improved connectivity make property ownership here both practical and potentially lucrative.

Whether you are purchasing a flat, house, or land parcel, understanding the applicable stamp duty in Kerala, along with the property registration charges, is essential for making informed financial decisions.

In this article, we break down the latest stamp duty and registration charges in Kerala, explain how they are calculated, outline the documents required, describe the payment process, and detail the penalties for delays and procedures for refunds.

What Are the Stamp Duty Charges in Kerala?

Stamp duty is a form of tax levied by the Kerala government on property transactions.

As of 2025, the stamp duty in Kerala is fixed at 8% of the transaction value. This amount is applicable to most property categories and is payable by the buyer.

Here’s a snapshot of the current applicable stamp duty rates and property registration charges in Kerala:

These rates are standard across the state, but they may be revised based on future government policies. It's important to verify the applicable rates with the local sub-registrar office before initiating a transaction.
Also, keep in mind that these charges can significantly affect the overall cost of your property purchase. If you’re planning to finance the purchase with a loan, it is wise to use a home loan EMI calculator before applying. This way, you can make room in your budget not only for your monthly instalments but also for expenses like stamp duty – so you can avoid financial strain in the long run.

Factors That Determine the Stamp Duty Charges in Kerala

The stamp duty you are liable to pay in Kerala depends on several key variables:

• Property Value: Stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the property's market value or transaction value, whichever is higher.
• Type of Property: Residential, commercial, and agricultural properties may attract different charges.
• Ownership Type: Concessional rates may apply to certain transactions, such as property transfers between family members (e.g., through a gift deed).
• Location of Property: Urban properties may attract higher valuations compared to rural areas.

These factors together determine the stamp duty and registration charges in Kerala that apply to your specific transaction.

What Are the Documents Required for Registration for Stamp Duty in Kerala?

To register a property and pay the stamp duty in Kerala, you’ll typically need to furnish the following documents:

• Original sale deed or transfer deed
• Encumbrance certificate (EC) of the property
• Identity proof of both buyer and seller (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
• Recent passport-size photographs of the buyer and seller
• Property card or previous title documents
• Tax receipts (property tax, electricity bill)
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

How Are Registration and Stamp Duty Charges Calculated in Kerala?

The property registration charges in Kerala are fixed at 2% of the property’s value, over and above the stamp duty. These fees are calculated as follows:

If the property value is INR 50 lakhs:

• Stamp Duty = 8% of INR 50,00,000 = INR 4,00,000
  
• Registration Charges = 2% of INR 50,00,000 = INR 1,00,000
  
• Total Cost = INR 5,00,000

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How to Pay the Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Kerala?

Online Process:

• Visit the official portal of the Kerala Registration Department.
  
• Click on the ‘Doc Registration’ option, then select ‘Login’. If you are using the portal for the first time, choose ‘Create New User’ under the same section and complete the required registration form to generate your login credentials.
  
• Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Doc Registration’ section again and click on ‘Online Token Registration’, followed by ‘Available Token’.
  
• Fill in the necessary details as prompted, then click ‘View Token’. A list of available time slots will appear. Select the one that best fits your schedule.
  
• Choose the appropriate transaction type and click on ‘Submit’.
  
• You will be asked to enter various details, including those of the presenter, claimant, property description, required enclosures, witness details, and stamp paper information. After completing all fields, click on ‘Update’.
  
• Carefully check the selected date and time of your registration appointment. Once reviewed, click on ‘Accept & Submit to SR’ (Sub-Registrar).
  
• A summary of your submission will be displayed. Confirm the information and proceed by clicking on ‘Accept & Continue’.
  
• On the following screen, click ‘Go’ to initiate payment.
  
• Once payment is successful, an acknowledgement receipt will be generated.

Offline Process:

• Visit a nearby Sub-Registrar office or an authorised financial institution that handles stamp duty transactions.
  
• Complete the required form with details related to your property transaction, including buyer and seller information, property value, and type of deed.
  
• Submit the applicable amount using your preferred mode of payment: cash, cheque, or demand draft.
  
• After the transaction, ensure you receive an officially stamped receipt.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Stamp Duty?

Failure to pay stamp duty for land registration in Kerala can result in the following financial and legal consequences:

• An unstamped or insufficiently stamped document is considered inadmissible as evidence in a court of law, which can jeopardise your legal rights over the property.
• The registration process is deemed incomplete, meaning the ownership transfer is not officially recognised.
• A penalty of up to 200 % of the unpaid duty can be levied, significantly increasing your total liability.

How to Get a Refund on Stamp Duty in Kerala?

In certain cases – such as cancellation of a property transaction or execution of an incorrect deed – you may be eligible for a refund of stamp duty in Kerala. Here’s how to initiate the process:

• Submit a refund application to the concerned Sub-Registrar Office within the prescribed timeline, usually within six months from the date of stamping or cancellation (subject to local regulations).
  
• Attach the original stamped document and proof of cancellation (if applicable).
  
• Include payment receipts and ID proofs.
  
• The Sub-Registrar will review the application, verify the documents, and initiate the refund process if all conditions are met.

Conclusion

Understanding the stamp duty and registration charges in Kerala is crucial for any prospective property buyer. From the rates and the payment processes to the legal implications of non-payment, being informed helps you avoid unexpected costs and delays.

Moreover, it helps you plan your property purchase with better financial clarity, especially if you’re considering a home loan.

SMFG Grihashakti offers housing financing of up to 90%* of the property value, with repayment tenures of up to 30 years* and home loan interest rates starting at just 10%* per annum.

To help you get started, our home loan eligibility calculator helps you estimate how much you may be able to borrow, so that you can make informed and confident decisions.

Apply online today or visit your nearest branch for more information.