Understanding Recent Policy Shifts
Ghaziabad's residential market is experiencing major changes due to a 40% increase in circle rates proposed by the Uttar Pradesh government. This huge change comes after a 15% hike in September 2024, ending two years without any rate changes. Buyers now face higher transaction costs, requiring careful financial planning.
Current Stamp Duty Structure
In Ghaziabad, the stamp duty system works differently for men and women. Male buyers pay a 7% stamp duty, while women get a lower rate of 6% on properties valued under ₹10 lakhs. For joint ownership, couples with one male and one female pay 6.5%, while same-gender couples follow individual rates. Registration charges stay the same at 1% for everyone.
New Benefits for Women Buyers
Starting in July 2025, a new policy offers stamp duty relief for women buying properties up to ₹1 crore. This change greatly increases savings from a maximum of ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh, providing significant cost reduction for eligible transactions.
Strategic Mitigation Approaches
Timing Considerations: Buyers should speed up pending transactions before the new circle rates take effect. The objection period lasts until September 30, with final decisions on October 4.
Gender Strategy: Women can save money by purchasing under their own ownership when possible, taking full advantage of the 1% exemption on eligible properties.
Value Assessment: Since stamp duty applies to the higher value between the circle rate and market price, buyers need to decide if negotiating prices below the circle rates offers real savings.
Market Adaptation
The assistant inspector general stresses that buyers pay duty on the higher amount - circle rate or market value. This system ensures government revenue but may make transactions cost more than actual market values. Buyers need to include these extra costs in their budget plans, as the changes will directly affect affordability in Ghaziabad's residential areas.