In a major move to ease the financial burden on middle-class homebuyers, the Gujarat government has announced an 80% waiver in stamp duty for property transfers carried out through allotment letters or share certificates in housing societies and cooperative associations.
The new concession falls under Section 9(a) of the Gujarat Stamp Act, 1958, and is aimed at simplifying internal property ownership changes without adding hefty government charges.
Until now, such transfers—even when based on valid society allotment—were treated as sales and attracted full stamp duty along with penalties. With the new policy, eligible transactions will only be required to pay 20% of the applicable duty, plus a nominal penalty.
The decision came after consistent representations from housing society members, MLAs, and cooperative housing federations. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel approved the proposal, describing it as a step towards “fairness and relief for thousands of families who had been facing an unnecessary financial strain.”
Officials clarified that this relief will be strictly limited to transfers based on valid allotment letters or share certificates issued by housing societies, non-trading associations, or similar cooperatives. Cases that do not meet these criteria will continue to attract full stamp duty as per prevailing laws.
A formal government resolution will be issued shortly to detail the revised rates, terms, and effective dates.
Source: Directorate of Information, Gujarat
