When purchasing property in Maharashtra, two key costs to consider are stamp duty and property registration fees. Both these charges vary depending on the property’s location, value, and buyer profile. This guide provides a thorough breakdown of the costs and the registration process, along with relevant laws governing stamp duty in Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958, governs stamp duty in the state. This legislation outlines the rules, rates, and requirements for paying stamp duty on various types of property transactions, agreements, and deeds. The act has undergone several amendments over the years to reflect changes in property laws and market conditions. Stamp duty must be paid on every document related to the transfer of immovable property (e.g., sale deeds, gift deeds, and lease agreements). This ensures that the document is legally recognised and enforceable.

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Maharashtra :
It is essential for homebuyers to consider the current stamp duty and registration fees for property in Maharashtra before planning a property purchase.
Areas in Maharashtra | Stamp Duty Rates for Women | Stamp Duty Rates for Men | Registration Fees |
Inside the boundaries of an urban municipality (e.g., Mumbai, Pune) | 5% | 6% | 1% (₹30,000 max for properties above ₹30 lakh) |
Within the jurisdiction of a municipal council/panchayat/cantonment | 3% | 4% | 1% |
Within the boundaries of a gram panchayat | 2% | 3% | 1% |
The concession for Women is available only on residential properties and not on commercial or industrial purchases. It’s designed to encourage female property ownership in the state. However, if the property is jointly purchased by a male and female, the concession may not apply
Current Stamp Duty in Major Cities of Maharashtra: Area-wise
City/Area | Stamp Duty | Registration Charges |
Mumbai | 5% + 1% metro cess | 1% (₹30,000 max for properties above ₹30 lakh) |
Pune | 6% (includes local body tax) | 1% (₹30,000 max) |
Thane | 6% (includes local body tax) | 1% (₹30,000 max) |
Navi Mumbai | 6% (includes local body tax) | 1% (₹30,000 max) |
Nagpur | 6% (includes local body tax) | 1% (₹30,000 max) |
Property/Flat Registration Charges in Maharashtra in 2024
Property Buyer | Stamp Duty Rates | Flat/House Registration Charges |
Men | 6% | ₹30,000 for properties above ₹30 lakh, 1% of the total value for properties below ₹30 lakh |
Women | 5% | ₹30,000 for properties above ₹30 lakh, 1% of the total value for properties below ₹30 lakh |
Property Registration Process in Maharashtra: After paying the stamp duty, the next step is to register the property. Property registration ensures the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:
Online Registration Process through IGR Maharashtra
Payment of Stamp Duty: Use the GRAS portal to calculate and pay the stamp duty.
Document Data Entry: Fill in the required details, such as property value and buyer information, on the IGR Maharashtra portal.
Upload Documents: Submit necessary documents like sale deed and identity proofs.
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Sub-Registrar’s office
Physical Visit: Both the buyer and seller, along with witnesses, must visit the Sub-Registrar’s office on the scheduled date
The Ready Reckoner Rate is a government-set minimum price for property transactions. Stamp duty is calculated based on the higher of either the Ready Reckoner rate or the actual transaction value. This ensures that properties are not undervalued for tax purposes. Example Calculation: If the Ready Reckoner rate in Pune is ₹42,760 per sq. meter, and a buyer purchases 500 sq. meters of land, the property’s value would be ₹2.13 crore. At 6% stamp duty, the buyer would pay ₹12.78 lakh
Penalties for Non-Payment of Stamp Duty and Registration in Maharashtra:
If there is a delay in the payment of stamp duty in Maharashtra, the following provisions for penalties apply under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958:
Penalty Rate: A penalty of 2% per month is charged on the shortfall (deficit) amount of the stamp duty from the date of the first signing of the document until the required duty is paid to the government.
Maximum Penalty: The total penalty can accumulate up to a maximum of 200% of the unpaid or less paid stamp duty. This means that the penalty cannot exceed twice the amount of the outstanding stamp duty.
Enforcement by Collector of Stamps: If the stamp duty is not paid after a demand is raised, the Collector of Stamps can take action to recover the unpaid duty and the penalty. The recovery process can involve seizing the defaulter's property and auctioning it.
Recovery as Land Revenue: If the stamp duty and penalty are not paid after multiple notices, the unpaid amount is treated as arrears of land revenue, which can lead to the confiscation of the property and its subsequent sale to recover the dues
Refund of Stamp Duty:
A refund for paid stamp duty can be claimed if the stamp has not been used or the transaction for which it was paid does not occur. The timeline for a refund on stamp duty under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958 is as follows:
Filing for Refund: The application for a stamp duty refund must be submitted within six months from the date of purchase of the stamp or the transaction’s cancellation. The application should be submitted to the Collector of Stamps with supporting documents, including the original stamp paper and proof of payment.
Processing Time: Once the refund application is submitted, the processing can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional verification or documentation is required by the Collector's office.
Refund Procedure:
Submit an application along with the required documents (original stamp, proof of payment, transaction details).
The Collector of Stamps reviews the application and decides whether to approve the refund. If approved, the amount is typically credited to the applicant's account.
Deductions: In case of a refund, a nominal fee is deducted from the refund amount as a processing charge, usually up to 10% of the stamp duty amount.
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