Punjab Offers Big Relief in 2026: Stamp Duty Slashed to 1% Till Jan 31

Punjab  has kicked off  2026  with a major  policy  move that brings welcome relief to property buyers across the state. In a bid to boost real estate activity and make home ownership more affordable the  state government has  reduced stamp duty to just 1% for buyers valid  until January 31 2026 . Additionally  original allottees have been fully exempted from stamp duty making this one of the most buyer-friendly measures seen in recent years.  

What the Stamp Duty Cut Means for Buyers  

Stamp duty is a significant cost in any property transaction. By slashing the rate to  1%  the  Punjab government  has dramatically lowered the upfront financial burden for buyers. For many families this reduction translates into savings of several lakhs making it easier to finalise purchases that may have otherwise been delayed.  

For  original allottees the exemption removes an additional layer of cost and complexity offering long awaited relief and encouraging smoother property registrations.  

Who Stands to Benefit the Most  

This announcement is particularly beneficial for  first time homebuyers, end users and mid income families who are sensitive to transaction costs.  Investors  also stand to gain as lower  stamp duty  improves overall deal viability and return potential. Developers and sellers are likely to see faster closures as buyers move quickly to take advantage of the limited time benefit.  

Mohali MLA    Kulwant Singh said that  around 24 to 25 cooperative societies operate in the city and the decision is set to benefit  nearly 5,000 to 7,000 families currently residing in these societies bringing much needed relief to thousands of households.  

Why the Timing Matters  

With the relief valid only until  January 31 2026 timing is crucial.  Buyers  planning to purchase residential or commercial property in  Punjab  now have a clear incentive to act swiftly. Industry experts expect a spike in registrations as buyers rush to lock in deals before the deadline leading to increased market activity in the coming weeks.  

Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh clarified that  full stamp duty will apply to registrations completed after March 31 2026 under existing rules. However he assured that he will raise the issue with the government to ensure that buyers who purchase stamp papers and submit documents to the Sub Registrar by  January 31 2026 but face unavoidable registration delays are still granted the  concessional 1% stamp duty .  

Impact on Punjab’s Real Estate Market  

The  stamp duty cut is expected to  revive buyer sentiment and improve liquidity in the property market. Lower transaction costs often lead to higher sales volumes, which in turn supports price stability and boosts confidence among developers and lenders. This move aligns with the government’s broader objective of creating a transparent growth oriented  real estate ecosystem .  

How Buyers Can Maximise the Benefit  

To make the most of this opportunity, buyers should ensure their  documentation  is ready in advance.  Sale deeds, approvals and  registration  appointments should be planned carefully to avoid last minute delays. Consulting legal and financial advisors early can help ensure a smooth transaction within the reduced duty window.  

Stamp duty  has been  slashed from 8% to just 1% delivering substantial savings and making property purchases significantly more affordable.  

Final Word: A Smart Window for Buyers  

Punjab’s  decision to cut stamp duty to  1% and exempt original allottees sends a strong signal of support to the property market. For buyers this is a  time bound opportunity to save big & invest smartly . Acting within the deadline could make the difference between a postponed plan and a successful property purchase in  2026 .