Punjab fixed stamp duty at 1 percent for urban and rural property in April 2026. A plot in Lahore was already urban, so the rate did not change for you. What changed was the rural rate and the legal status of assignable deeds. Check the total transfer cost before you agree a price.
What Was Announced
The News reported that the Punjab Governor signed the Stamp Duty Amendment Ordinance 2026 on 10 April 2026. Zameen.com reported that it replaces a structure of 1 percent in urban areas and 3 percent in rural areas with a uniform 1 percent, and that agreements completed within 12 months pay 1 percent while longer ones may attract up to 2 percent.
Assignable Deeds
The ordinance gives legal recognition to an assignable deed, a transferable agreement. The News reported that only 1 percent stamp duty and 0.1 percent service charges apply to assignable documents for 12 months, with no additional taxes during that period. How this applies to a society file is not clear from the reports, so ask the society and a lawyer before you rely on it.
Is the Ordinance Still in Force?
Zameen.com noted that an ordinance has immediate effect but is temporary, typically valid for around 90 days unless the Punjab Assembly approves it. We found no report confirming that the Assembly approved it, so confirm the current law with the Board of Revenue or a lawyer.
Other Transfer Costs
ARY News and Daily Times reported in July 2026 that the Punjab Land Records Authority charges a service fee of 0.1 percent of the property value, with a minimum of Rs3,600, for sale and purchase transactions in 2026-27, and a fixed Rs3,600 for other e-registration transactions. Daily Times also reported Rs3,000 for each transaction under the Property Transfer System for housing societies and development authorities. Federal advance tax is separate, and our guide to advance tax in 2026-27 explains it. Some older pages still quote 5 percent stamp duty and capital value tax, so check the date of any figure you read.
What to Do Before You Agree a Price
Ask the registrar’s office or a lawyer to work out the total transfer cost for your specific property, and ask which value they use, the sale price or the official valuation. Ask who pays each cost under your agreement and write it down. Keep every receipt. Our guides to property tax in Lahore and buying a plot in Lahore in 2026 cover the other steps.
Related Guides
If you plan to borrow, read home loans for Lahore buyers. To compare areas, read the plot buyer’s guide and the options on Pine Avenue.
You can see this 5 Marla house in Etihad Town, or find more guides on our Lahore Property Buying Guides page.
Sources: The News (11 and 15 April 2026), Zameen.com (24 April 2026), ARY News and Daily Times (July 2026). Tax and fee rules change quickly, and this is not legal or tax advice. Confirm the current figures with the registrar or a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stamp duty on property in Lahore in 2026?
Reports say Punjab fixed stamp duty at 1 percent for urban and rural property under the April 2026 ordinance. Confirm the current rate with the registrar.
Did the April 2026 ordinance reduce stamp duty on Lahore plots?
Urban stamp duty was already 1 percent, so the main change was for rural property, which fell from 3 percent to 1 percent, according to Zameen.com.
What is an assignable deed?
A transferable agreement that the 2026 ordinance recognises in law. The News reported 1 percent stamp duty and 0.1 percent service charges for 12 months.
What is the PLRA service fee for a property sale?
ARY News reported 0.1 percent of the property value with a minimum of Rs3,600 for sale and purchase transactions in 2026-27.
5B Marketing has an office in Lahore and can walk you through the transfer steps before you pay anything.
