Greater Noida Homebuyers Must Pay Stamp Duty at Booking Now

In a decisive move that reshapes the real estate landscape of Greater Noida

The Greater Noida Authority has introduced a game-changing mandate. Imagine this: you're a homebuyer with dreams of a new home taking shape. You’ve found your ideal flat in a promising project, but here’s what’s different now — before you even receive the keys, you must pay stamp duty upfront.

Yes, you heard it right.

Gone are the days when stamp duty — one of the most significant charges in a real estate deal — was paid at possession. As per a new directive rooted in Section 13 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, developers must now register the flat at the time of booking. This means once you’ve paid 10% of the unit cost, you must also settle the stamp duty, calculated based on the property’s value.

Why This Sudden Change?

This isn’t just a bureaucratic update — it’s a policy born out of necessity.

Greater Noida has witnessed numerous stalled housing projects over the last decade. Thousands of homebuyers found themselves stuck in limbo — money paid, but possession denied due to builder defaults and regulatory delays.

By requiring registered agreements early on, authorities aim to ensure compliance, transparency, and buyer protection. Builders must now execute a registered agreement to sell post the 10% payment. And during handover, a possession deed on a ₹100 stamp paper must be signed — another formality that locks the process legally.

Stamp Duty: The Real Cost Breakdown

You may now wonder, "How much will this upfront cost set me back?"
Let’s break it down.

According to the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, stamp duty is mandatory on all property transactions. And in Noida and Greater Noida, rates differ based on gender and ownership type:

Ownership Type	Stamp Duty	Registration Fee
Male owner	7%	1%
Female owner	6%	1%
Joint (M+F)	6.5%	1%
Joint (M+M)	7%	1%
Joint (F+F)	6%	1%

UP government offers a 1% rebate for female buyers — but only for properties worth up to ₹10 lakh.

Example: What a Rs 75 Lakh Flat Really Costs

Let’s look at a simple calculation:

• For a Male Buyer:
• Stamp Duty (7%) = ₹5,25,000
• Registration Fee (1%) = ₹75,000
• Total = ₹81,00,000

• For a Female Buyer:
• Stamp Duty (6%) = ₹4,50,000
• Rebate = ₹10,000 (if applicable)
• Net Duty = ₹4,40,000
• Registration Fee = ₹75,000
• Total = ₹80,15,000

This upfront cost changes the dynamics of how buyers plan their finances. No more waiting for handover day — the fiscal clock starts ticking much earlier.

What It Means for Developers and Buyers

With this Greater Noida Authority directive, developers can no longer delay registration. It compels them to fulfill legal formalities early, reducing fraudulent practices and ensuring buyers’ rights are protected.

Simultaneously, buyers gain stronger legal backing. The registered “Agreement to Sell” ensures you're officially recognized, even if the project delays.

Policy in Sync with Other Authorities

This isn’t an isolated initiative. In November 2024, the Noida Authority also mandated the same — requiring registration of sale agreements during the buying stage. Similarly, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has a parallel policy in effect.

These changes follow the Uttar Pradesh government’s RERA enforcement order, issued on September 9, 2024, stating that no builder can collect more than 10% without a registered agreement.

Final Thoughts

The new stamp duty regulation in Greater Noida marks a turning point. While it may pinch pockets early, it promises long-term clarity, protection, and confidence in an often turbulent market.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Greater Noida, make sure your budget accounts for the stamp duty upfront. It’s not just about owning a home anymore — it’s about owning it the right way.