Karnataka is moving towards a fresh revision of property guidance values, a change that could increase stamp duty and registration costs for buyers across the state. The proposal is in its final stage, with district-level consultations completed and a few divisional meetings still pending, according to the stamps and registration department.
If approved, this would be the second revision since the Congress government took office in 2023. The previous increase, ranging from 15% to 30% depending on the location, came into effect on October 1, 2023.
Mullai Muhilan MP, inspector general of registration and commissioner of stamps, confirmed to The Times of India that the exercise had reached its final stage and that the government was likely to take a decision soon. Once finalised, the revised values will be issued through a gazette notification.
Guidance value is the government-assigned minimum value of an immovable property used for calculating registration-related charges. The proposed revision is being prepared after officials reviewed prevailing market rates through meetings with revenue officials and sub-registrars. The exercise began last year and was delayed after the government doubled stamp duty from 1% to 2% of the guidance value with effect from August 31, 2025. The state also faced a period of uncertainty over a possible change in chief minister.
The new rates are expected to vary by location and development conditions rather than follow a uniform increase across Karnataka. Officials are assessing factors including road connectivity, proximity to transport routes and the development potential of specific areas. Properties along national highways are likely to receive higher valuations than those along state highways, while properties without road connectivity may see lower revisions.
Demand associated with upcoming residential, industrial and commercial projects will also be considered. Areas around Bengaluru are expected to see substantial increases, while properties near district and taluk headquarters may attract higher values than those in villages, an official told The Times of India.
The proposed revision comes after the state increased stamp duty and amid wider increases in household-linked charges, including milk and bus fares. For property buyers, a higher guidance value can raise the base used to calculate registration expenses even when the negotiated sale price is higher than the government valuation. The final financial impact will depend on the revised rate notified for each location and the applicable transaction details.
Chief minister DK Shivakumar did not confirm or deny the proposal. He said no information regarding a revision had been brought to his notice so far, while acknowledging that discussions might be taking place at the departmental level. He added that the government would consider the matter when the file reached him.
The stamps and registration department is expected to complete the remaining divisional-level consultations before finalising the proposal and placing it before the state government for a decision.
