Ask for stamp duty, registration fees and any other official charges to be identified separately from professional fees and document costs. The calculation needs to fit your actual transaction.
See what each amount is for
A single total can hide the answer to a simple question: what are you paying for? Ask which figures are statutory charges, which are service fees and whether drafting, extra copies or later record updates are included. Current rules, the instrument and the transaction details matter, so an old percentage from an article may not be a reliable estimate. Keep the calculation and receipts together.
Ask for an estimate you can reconcile later
A useful estimate separates government payments, drafting or review fees and coordination charges. It should also say what is not included. Keep the quotation and compare it with the eventual receipts. If an additional amount is requested, ask what it is for and whether an official receipt or service invoice will be provided.
Before the appointment
- Identify the exact instrument being proposed.
- Ask which amounts are estimates and which are confirmed.
- Keep official receipts separate from the service invoice.
- Clarify whether post-registration work is included.
The next step
Request an itemised estimate based on your draft and transaction details before arranging the funds. Ask about any figure you cannot explain.
Does the lowest quoted total always mean the lowest cost?
No. Compare inclusions, exclusions and statutory assumptions. Missing work can appear later as an additional charge.
Related reading
For current records and requirements, use the official sources below. Advice about your own property needs a review of its documents.
Kaveri Online Services · Government of Karnataka ↗India Code · legislation reference ↗How we publish and handle corrections →Have a question about this guide? Ask Proplegal on WhatsApp ↗