Stamp Duty & Registration Charges in Kerala 2026
Buying property in Kerala involves paying stamp duty and registration charges. Knowing the applicable rates, payment methods, and registration process can help estimate the total cost of your property transaction.
Key Highlights
- Rates: Kerala charges 8% stamp duty and 2% registration fee on most property transactions.
- Deeds: Stamp duty varies for gift, lease, mortgage, partition, and other property deeds.
- Calculation: Charges are calculated on the higher of the market value or sale value.
- Payment: Stamp duty can be paid online through the Kerala Registration portal or offline through authorised stamp vendors.
What is Stamp Duty in Kerala?
Stamp duty in Kerala is a tax imposed by the state government on property ownership transfers. It is a compulsory tax imposed on legal documents to authenticate property transactions, agreements, and various financial dealings.
It acts as evidence of ownership and is required to be paid at the time of property registration. The rate differs based on the state, nature of the transaction, and property value.
Stamp Duty Rates & Registration Charges in Kerala in 2026
Follow this table to know the standard stamp duty in Kerala rates and registration charges in Kerala:
| Ownership Type | Stamp Duty | Registration Charges |
| Man | 8% | 2% |
| Woman | 8% | 2% |
| Joint | 8% | 2% |
Stamp Duty for Different Deeds in Kerala
Updated stamp duty in Kerala and registration charges for different deeds:
| Deed Type | Stamp Duty | Registration Fee |
| Adoption | ₹250 | ₹1,050 |
| Mortgage (with possession) | ₹8 per ₹100 secured | 2% |
| Mortgage (without possession) | ₹5 per ₹100 secured | 2% |
| Family Partition | ₹15 per ₹10,000 (min. ₹1,000) | 1% |
| Other Partition | 6% | 2% |
| Will | Nil | ₹525 |
| Sale Certificate (Auction) | 8% | 2% |
| Gift (Family) | 2% | 1% |
| Gift (Non-Family) | 8% | 2% |
| Lease (<1 year) | ₹500 | 2% of lease amount |
| Lease (1–5 years) | 8% on 10% of property value (min. ₹500) | 2% of AAR |
| Lease (5–10 years) | 8% on 20% of property value (min. ₹1,000) | 2% of AAR |
| Lease (10–20 years) | 8% on 2× AAR | 2% of 2× AAR |
| Lease (20–30 years) | 8% on 3× AAR | 2% of 3× AAR |
| Lease (30–100 years) | 8% on 4× AAR | 2% of 4× AAR |
| Lease (>100 years) | 8% on 1/6 of total rent | 2% of 1/6 of total rent |
| Power of Attorney (Single Registration) | ₹50 | ₹210 |
Registration Charges in Kerala in 2026
The registration charges for a property transaction are 2% of the market value. This remains the same for all cities in Kerala, irrespective of gender.
How to Calculate Stamp Duty in Kerala ?
Stamp duty in Kerala is calculated based on either the higher consideration value or the property transaction value mentioned in the sale deed.
For instance, if a property's market value/fair value is ₹60,00,000 and the negotiated consideration rate is ₹40,00,000, the government will apply the charges to the higher value (₹60,00,000). Thus, the calculation will be as follows:
- Property Cost Considered: ₹60,00,000
- Stamp Duty: 8% of ₹60,00,000 = ₹4,80,000
- Registration Charges: 2% of ₹60,00,000 = ₹1,20,000
- Total Charges to be Paid: ₹4,80,000 + ₹1,20,000 = ₹6,00,000
How to Pay Stamp Duty in Kerala?
There are two ways to pay Stamp Duty and Registration chanrgesa in Kerala:
I. Online Payment Method
The steps to pay the stamps duty and registration charges online in Kerala are as follows:
Step 1: Visit the Kerala Registration Department website.
Step 2: Log in by clicking 'Doc Registration' > 'Login'. First-time users must register by selecting 'Create New User' and completing the registration process.
Step 3: Go to 'Doc Registration' > 'Online Token Registration' > 'Available Token'.
Step 4: Fill in the required details, click 'View Token', and select a suitable appointment slot.
Step 5: Choose the Transaction Type and click 'Submit'.
Step 6: Enter the required details, including presenter, claimant, property, witnesses, enclosures, and stamp paper details, then click 'Update'.
Step 7: Review the appointment details and click 'Accept & Submit to SR'.
Step 8: Verify the summary and click 'Accept & Continue'.
Step 9: Click 'Go' to pay the stamp duty using net banking, a debit card, or a credit card.
Step 10: Download or save the acknowledgement slip as proof of payment.
II. Offline Payment Method
The offline steps to buy Stamp Duty and Registration Charges are as follows:
Step 1: Visit an authorised licensed stamp vendor.
Step 2: Purchase non-judicial stamp papers of the required value. Ensure the buyer's and seller's names are mentioned on the stamp papers.
Step 3: Get the legal document (such as the sale deed) drafted or printed on the purchased stamp papers.
Step 4: Visit the Sub-Registrar's Office with the stamped deed during the booked appointment to complete the registration and pay the applicable registration fee.
Important: If the stamp duty is ₹1 lakh or more, payment through physical stamp papers is not permitted. It must be paid online through the Kerala Registration portal linked to the state's e-Treasury.
Exemptions & Concessions on Stamp Duty in Kerala
Unlike some states in India where the state government provides concessions and exemptions for women, in Kerala, you will not get such concessions. Therefore, the stamp duty and registration charges are the same for both male and female owners.
Final Word
Stamp duty in Kerala and registration fees are key aspects of any property transaction. In Kerala, stamp duty is fixed at 8%, while registration charges are at 2%. Keeping up with Kerala's real estate regulations helps make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
Similar Articles:
1. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges in West Bengal 2026
2. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges in Haryana 2026
3. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges in MP 2026
4. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges in Telangana 2026
5. Stamp Duty & Registration Charges in Punjab 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleartax is a product by Defmacro Software Pvt. Ltd.
ISO 27001
Data Center
SSL Certified Site
128-bit encryption