Property-related taxes in India are set at the state level and calculated on the higher of the government-set circle rate or the actual transaction price. Stamp duty generally ranges 4-8% depending on the state, often with concessions for female buyers (e.g. Delhi: 6% for male buyers, 4% for female, 5% joint; Dehradun: 5% male, 3.75% female with a 25% concession) plus a separate registration fee (commonly around 1-2% of property value). Annual municipal property tax is charged separately by local municipal bodies and varies by city/locality, distinct from the one-time stamp duty/registration cost paid at purchase.
Stamp duty is a state-level tax, typically 4-8% of the property value, calculated on the higher of circle rate or actual transaction price.
Many states offer a stamp duty concession for female buyers (e.g. Delhi: 4% vs. 6% for male buyers; Dehradun: 3.75% vs. 5%, a 25% discount).
A separate registration fee (commonly ~1-2% of property value) applies in addition to stamp duty.
Annual municipal property tax is a distinct, ongoing charge set by local municipal bodies, separate from the one-time purchase-stage stamp duty/registration cost.
Costs
Stamp duty (varies by state): 4-8% of property value (higher of circle rate or transaction price)
Registration fee: ~1-2% of property value
Common Mistakes
Assuming a single national stamp duty rate — rates and buyer-category concessions vary significantly by state.
Forgetting that annual municipal property tax is separate from, and in addition to, the one-time stamp duty/registration cost paid at purchase.