Punjab reduces stamp duty on property transfers in rural areas

Lahore (Web Desk): The Punjab government has announced significant relief for citizens involved in property buying and selling in rural areas of the province.

The Governor of Punjab has signed the Stamp Duty Amendment Ordinance 2026, after which a new and reduced tax structure on property transfers has come into immediate effect across the province.

Under the new ordinance, the stamp duty on property transfers in rural areas has been reduced by 2 percent.

Previously, residents of rural areas were required to pay 3 percent stamp duty on property registration, which has now been reduced to just 1 percent.

Following this landmark decision, the long-standing difference in stamp duty rates between urban and rural areas has been eliminated. Now, a uniform rate of 1 percent stamp duty will be applied across Punjab on all property purchases and registrations.

According to government sources, the main objective of this step is to promote real estate activity in rural areas and reduce the financial burden on the general public.

Officials believe that lowering the duty will encourage citizens to legally register their properties, which will not only secure public assets but is also expected to increase government revenue.

Previously, the rural stamp duty rate stood at 3 percent, while the new unified rate across Punjab is now set at 1 percent.