Stamp duty and registration charges in Mumbai continue one of the largest sources of revenue for the state government of Maharashtra. As a matter of fact, the government has been pitching on Mumbai’s real estate boom to encourage growth and development.

The Maharashtra government’s decision to raise a 1% surcharge on stamp duty for properties in Mumbai, could negatively affect the realty market and home buyers, nowadays when property deals are already charged with high tax rates.

It would be raised on the sale, lease, mortgage, and gift of real estate transaction, within the area of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The existing stamp duty on houses in Mumbai is 5%, which will now increase to 6%, making properties more costly.

How the Stamp Duty Hike Will Impact the Homebuyers?

This move is particularly discouraging for the mid-segment homebuyers who are thinking of buying property due to easy availability of options and reduce interest rates currently.

Hence, if the ready reckoner rate for a property is Rs 2.75 lakhs and the agreement value is Rs 5,50,000,00 lakhs, then, the stamp duty will be calculated on the agreement value of Rs 5,50,000,00 lakhs.

A Comparative Study of Property Charges Before the Hike

Assume you buy a 200 sqm flat near Andheri where the Ready Reckoner rate for residential property is Rs 264200 per sq.mt. Considering the property’s agreement value is the same as the Ready Reckoner Rate in the locality, your property price calculation will be as follows:

A Comparative Study of Property Charges After the Stamp Duty Hike

The above table is showing that before rate hike one has to Pay Rs.5,77,80000 for a 200 sqm flat in Maharashtra but after a rise of 1% as a surcharge, for the same property, people have to pay Rs.58330000 which goes Rs.550000 more.

But wait, this isn’t the actual cost of the apartment. There are many other un-advertised costs which are hidden and are calculated over and above the advertised price. And yes, do n’t make the mistake of underestimating these costs as they normally make up to 20% of the advertised cost.

Here are what all the costs a builder/developer will charge you when you actually buy the apartment/property and sign the buyer’s agreement in Maharashtra:

What Are the Hidden Charges a Homebuyer Have to Pay to Buy a Flat in Mumbai?

Please note that all the charges are calculated on the basis of Super Built-up Area and not Built-up Area. As per industry standards, the difference between the super area and built-up area is approximately 18-20%. i.e. while you pay the price for 1200 sq.ft. (super area), the actual built-up area in your apartment would be somewhat 960 sq.ft. (1200 – 20% of 1200) = 960 sq.ft.

Government’s Decision to Deduce the GST Rates

This is not the end. Recently, the GST Council has made a decision to reduce the Goods & Service Tax (GST) rates for under construction projects to 5% from the effective rate of 12%. Keeping in mind the objectives of  “Housing for All by 2022”, the government has reduced the GST to marginal 1% for affordable housing. Apart from that, completed projects which have received Occupancy Certificate (OC) will not attract GST.

Rationalization of GST Rate:

Once the decision will come into force, the property rate will decrease and will benefit the homebuyers across the nation. The above property calculation table where the GST rate is taken as 12% on the BSP, the buyer has to pay Rs.3,60,000 as GST charges on their home. The purchase will be reduced by Rs.2,10,000 (Rs.360000 – Rs.1,50,000). We can say that homebuyers will save up to Rs.2,10,000 on their purchase.

How the Stamp Duty Hike Will Impact the Mumbai Property Market?

Property in Mumbai is remarkably overpriced and most of the demand is moving towards Navi Mumbai and Thane. Now, those who are moving from the suburbs to the Island City will be the ones who would be most affected. If the surcharge is imposed, homebuyers will move to Thane and Navi Mumbai for their housing needs more actively.