SHIMLA: Property transactions across Himachal Pradesh will operate under a revised fee structure following the passage of the Indian Stamp (Himachal Pradesh Second Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the state assembly. The new framework introduces a concessional 4% stamp duty rate for women purchasing real estate valued up to ₹1 crore, down from the previous 8% levy. However, properties exceeding ₹1 crore will attract an 8% duty regardless of gender, while transactions involving male buyers will carry a 6% rate up to ₹40 lakh and 8% for higher valuations.
The statutory updates also introduce stringent financial checks to address tax avoidance and unregulated land transfers across the hill state. Under the new provisions, non-residents acquiring land or leasing property with government approval will be subject to a flat 12% stamp duty. Furthermore, the state has tightened norms around Power of Attorney instruments executed for non-residents or out-of-state properties, imposing fees up to 100 times the standard rate. The legislation also aggregates linked sale deeds executed between identical buyers and sellers within 12 months to ensure appropriate higher-tier duty application.
While the treasury benches highlighted the reduction for female buyers as a progressive reform to drive land ownership, opposition members argued that the broader rate hikes would inflate housing costs. BJP lawmakers maintained that the substantial increases in general categories and non-resident levies would deter legitimate investment and add to the public’s economic burden. Government representatives affirmed that the updated structure modernizes decade-old rates, plugs revenue loopholes, and aligns property registration procedures with state development priorities.
