The Maharashtra government has announced a 4.39% increase in the ready reckoner rate for financial year 2026, effective April 1.

This adjustment, while moderate compared to the initially speculated 10% hike, will impact property costs and stamp duty charges for buyers, even though the stamp duty percentages remain unchanged.

Ready reckoner rates, also known as circle rates, are the minimum values set by the government for land and property transactions.

These rates are used to calculate stamp duty and registration charges, ensuring that property transactions are not undervalued to evade taxes. The increase in ready reckoner rates means higher property valuations, leading to increased stamp duty and overall property costs for buyers.

The revised rates vary across different regions in Maharashtra:

  • Rural areas: 3.36%.

  • Urban areas: 3.29%.

  • Municipal councils: 4.97%.

  • Metropolitan municipalities (excluding Mumbai): 5.95%.

  • Greater Mumbai: 3.39%.

The National Real Estate Development Council has acknowledged the marginal increase. But, it expressed concerns about the rising construction costs linked to development charges and Floor Space Index.

NAREDCO warned that these factors may impact the affordable housing segment, urging the government to adopt a balanced approach to sustain market growth, while maintaining affordability.

The increase in ready reckoner rates is expected to have a ripple effect on the real estate market, influencing property prices and transaction costs. Buyers and developers will need to factor in these changes as they navigate the evolving landscape of property transactions in Maharashtra.

While the hike in ready reckoner rates is moderate, real estate stocks such as DLF Ltd., Godrej Properties Ltd. and Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd., among others, are expected to remain in focus after the property price hike.

. Read more on Real Estate by NDTV Profit.Ready reckoner rates, also known as circle rates, are the minimum values set by the government for land and property transactions.  Read MoreReal Estate, Business, Notifications 

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