The state government of Maharashtra has announced the extension of the Stamp Duty Amnesty Scheme 2023 for the third time, aiming to provide relief to numerous property owners and facilitate smoother real estate transactions in Mumbai, which is known as the country?s most expensive real estate market, along with other key cities in the state. The move is anticipated to offer further support to redevelopment projects.

According to the announcement, property buyers who have either not paid or paid insufficient stamp duty on their purchase agreements will now have until June 30 to regularize the sale by paying duty with a nominal penalty.

The extension of the scheme is expected to inject renewed energy into the real estate market, particularly benefiting redevelopment projects that often encounter delays when an existing resident?s property falls into this category and requires regularization.

Prashant Sharma, the President of NAREDCO Maharashtra, commented that the extension of the scheme will alleviate the financial burden on property owners and encourage real estate transactions in the region. He emphasized that by reducing transaction costs associated with property deals, the government is creating a favourable environment for growth and development in the real estate sector.

The impact of the stamp duty amnesty scheme has been significant across Maharashtra, as property owners awaiting regularization of their previous agreements have been able to proceed with selling their properties.

With deals being regularized with a nominal penalty, property registrations have seen a noticeable increase in both residential and commercial real estate sectors. Pritam Chivukula, the Vice President of CREDAI MCHI and Co-founder of Tridhaatu Realty, stated that the extension will offer much-needed breathing space for developers involved in complex redevelopment projects. This will enable them to navigate regulatory processes, obtain necessary approvals, and execute projects more efficiently. Chivukula emphasized that this extension aligns with the broader objective of facilitating seamless urban renewal, promoting sustainable development, and ultimately improving the quality of life for residents in redeveloped areas.

He stressed the importance of authorities recognizing the unique challenges faced by redevelopment projects and extending support through such pragmatic measures.