Lahore: The Punjab government has reduced stamp duty on property transactions to 1% across the province through the promulgation of the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, a move aimed at lowering transaction costs and stimulating real estate activity.
The ordinance, approved by Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on April 10, replaces the previous structure in which urban areas were charged 1% and rural areas 3%, creating a uniform rate for all regions.
According to official details, the amendment to the Stamp Act, 1899 seeks to remove disparities in taxation and simplify property transfer procedures. The revised framework standardises stamp duty at 1% for immovable property transactions, with additional provisions introduced to regulate assignment and transfer agreements.
Under the new structure, transactions completed within 12 months will be subject to 1% duty, while those extending beyond that period may attract a higher rate of up to 2%, introducing a time-based mechanism for certain agreements.
Officials say the reform is designed to improve transparency, broaden the tax base, and encourage documented transactions, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where higher duties previously discouraged formal registration.
The ordinance also introduces the concept of an “assignable deed,” providing legal recognition to transferable agreements and bringing informal property arrangements into the documented system.
As an ordinance, the measure has immediate legal effect but remains temporary, typically valid for around 90 days unless formally approved by the Punjab Assembly.
Market observers expect the reduction to lower the overall cost of property transfers and potentially boost transaction volumes, particularly in areas where higher stamp duties had been a barrier to entry.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
