Stamp duty is one of the largest one-time costs when buying property in India — and in Maharashtra, where property values are among the highest in the country, it can easily run into several lakhs. Yet most buyers discover the actual number only when their lawyer hands them a demand draft on registration day.
This guide explains exactly how stamp duty is calculated in Maharashtra, what the current rates are for Mumbai, Pune, and other cities, and how to estimate your liability before you commit to a purchase. Stamp duty rates for FY 2026–27 remain unchanged from the previous year, so this guide is current as of June 2026.
What Is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty is a tax levied by the state government on the transfer of property. It is paid when a sale deed, gift deed, or leave-and-licence agreement is executed. The document is considered legally valid only once the stamp duty is paid and the document is registered.
In Maharashtra, stamp duty is collected under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958. It is paid to the state government and forms a significant source of revenue for the government's infrastructure and housing schemes.
Stamp Duty Rates in Maharashtra (2025)
The rate depends on who is buying and where the property is located:
| Buyer Category | Location | Stamp Duty | Metro Cess | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Mumbai & major municipal corporations | 5% | 1% | 6% |
| Female | Mumbai & major municipal corporations | 5% | 1% | 6% (–1% concession applies) |
| Male | Municipal council areas | 4% | — | 4% |
| Female | Municipal council areas | 3% | — | 3% (–1% concession) |
| Any | Gram Panchayat / rural areas | 3% | — | 3% |
Note: Stamp duty for FY 2026–27 remains unchanged from the previous year per the Maharashtra government's budget. Women buyers receive an automatic 1% concession across all categories, making the effective rate 5% in Mumbai instead of 6% for male buyers.
Note: Joint purchase (male + female) typically attracts the lower female rate in Maharashtra if the female buyer is the first applicant.
What Is Stamp Duty Calculated On?
This is the question most buyers get wrong. Stamp duty in Maharashtra is calculated on the higher of two values:
- Agreement value — the price mentioned in your sale deed
- Ready Reckoner (RR) rate — the government's minimum value for that location, updated annually
If you negotiate a price below the RR rate, the government still charges stamp duty on the RR rate. This prevents under-reporting of property values.
Important for buyers paying "hard cash": The agreement value for stamp duty is typically the white-money component only. However, the RR rate acts as a floor. If the RR rate for your area is higher than even your stated agreement value, stamp duty will be on the RR rate.
Worked Example: Mumbai Flat ₹1.2 Crore
Let's say you are buying a flat in Mumbai for ₹1.2 crore. The agreement value is ₹90 lakh (after deducting ₹30 lakh paid as hard cash). The RR rate for that area values the flat at ₹95 lakh.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Agreement value | ₹90,00,000 |
| RR rate value | ₹95,00,000 |
| Stamp duty base (higher of above) | ₹95,00,000 |
| Stamp duty @ 6% (male buyer, Mumbai municipal) | ₹4,75,000 |
| Metro cess @ 1% | ₹95,000 |
| Total stamp duty | ₹5,70,000 |
Registration Charges (Separate from Stamp Duty)
On top of stamp duty, you pay registration charges — the fee for registering the document at the Sub-Registrar's office. In Maharashtra, this is 1% of the agreement value, subject to a maximum of ₹30,000.
So on a ₹95 lakh property, registration = ₹30,000 (capped).
How to Pay Stamp Duty in Maharashtra
Stamp duty can be paid through three methods: e-stamp paper purchased online via the Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL) website, franking at a bank authorised by the government, or through the GRAS (Government Receipt Accounting System) portal for online payment before document execution.
Most builders and property lawyers now prefer the e-stamp route as it is faster and reduces the risk of using invalid stamp paper.
Exemptions and Concessions
- Women buyers in Maharashtra get a 1% concession on stamp duty
- Properties under certain affordable housing schemes may attract reduced rates
- Gifts to blood relatives (spouse, children, parents, siblings) attract stamp duty of ₹200 only
- Redevelopment projects under SRA/MHADA schemes have specific concessions
Calculate Your Exact Stamp Duty
The fastest way to estimate your total property cost including stamp duty, registration, GST, and all other charges is to use our free calculator.
→ Open House Pricing CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Is stamp duty paid on carpet area or built-up area?
Stamp duty is calculated on the agreement value (or RR rate, whichever is higher) — not directly on area. The area affects the RR rate calculation but you don't pay a per-sqft duty rate directly.
Can stamp duty be claimed as a tax deduction?
Yes. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, stamp duty and registration charges paid for a residential property can be claimed as a deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh in the year of payment.
What happens if I underpay stamp duty?
The Sub-Registrar's office can impound your document and you will be required to pay the shortfall plus a penalty, which can be up to 10 times the deficit amount.