Goa Flat Owners Could Get Stamp Duty Relief as Govt Moves to Ease Redevelopment Costs
PANAJI, August 24, 2026: Goa is set to amend its stamp duty law to implement the proposed Mhajo Flat Scheme, a move that could reduce the financial burden on flat owners involved in redevelopment projects and simplify property transactions.
The state government has decided to introduce the Indian Stamp (Goa Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Goa Legislative Assembly after the Governor returned the ordinance, noting that the Assembly had already been summoned.
Why Goa Is Changing the Stamp Duty Rules
The Mhajo Flat Scheme is aimed at protecting flat owners, improving security of tenure and removing procedural hurdles related to apartment ownership and redevelopment.
One of the key issues is the additional stamp duty that flat owners can face during the redevelopment of old housing societies.
In many redevelopment projects, the housing society first signs a registered development agreement with the developer and pays stamp duty. Later, individual members may have to execute separate agreements regarding their redeveloped flats, which can attract another stamp duty charge.
The government is now looking at rationalising this structure so that owners are not unnecessarily charged twice for instruments forming part of the same redevelopment transaction.
Development Agreements and Power of Attorney Also Under Review
Another issue involves development agreements and powers of attorney.
In some cases, a development agreement authorising a developer to construct, market, sell or transfer units is charged stamp duty equivalent to conveyance. If a power of attorney is subsequently executed between the same parties for implementing the same agreement, it can again attract a similar level of stamp duty.
Industry stakeholders, including CREDAI, have sought changes to prevent such duplication.
What the Proposed Change Means for Flat Owners
If implemented, the amended framework could lower transaction costs for residents and housing societies undertaking redevelopment.
Instead of multiple instruments attracting substantial stamp duty, the state is considering a system where the principal redevelopment instrument carries the applicable duty while related subsidiary documents may attract only nominal fixed duty.
For Grihik readers, this could make redevelopment of ageing or dilapidated housing societies financially easier and potentially reduce one of the hurdles that often delays such projects.
Why Redevelopment Matters for Goa's Housing Market
Goa's government views redevelopment as important not only for apartment owners but also for safer housing and better urban infrastructure.
Old and dilapidated buildings often require redevelopment to improve structural safety, living conditions and the efficient use of urban land. Reducing unnecessary transaction costs could make more such projects financially viable.
The proposed amendment under the Mhajo Flat Scheme will therefore be closely watched by flat owners, housing societies and developers involved in redevelopment projects across Goa.