GST, Stamp Duty and Registration: The Real Cost of Buying a Home

When you compare prices, compare the total cost. On top of the base price, plan for:

• GST: currently 5% on under-construction non-affordable homes and 1% on affordable housing; nil once an Occupancy Certificate is issued.
• Stamp duty: set by each state — commonly 5–7% of the agreement value, with concessions for women buyers in some states.
• Registration fee: usually 1% subject to a cap, depending on the state.
• Legal and documentation charges and, in some cases, society or maintenance deposits.
• Parking, club membership and infrastructure charges if quoted separately.

Ask for a full cost sheet before you pay a booking amount. Rates change, so confirm current figures with your adviser and the state revenue department.