What is the process to get a sale deed registered in India?

Registering a sale deed in India generally follows the same broad steps across states, though the exact portal and forms differ by state. First, the sale deed itself needs to be drafted, capturing the agreed sale price, property description, and the rights being transferred — this is best done by a lawyer to make sure it correctly reflects your negotiated terms and protects you if anything goes wrong later.

Next, you calculate and pay the applicable stamp duty, which is a state tax on the transaction typically based on either the sale consideration or the government-notified circle rate/ready reckoner rate for that property, whichever is higher. Most states now allow you to pay this online through the state revenue department's e-stamping portal, and you will also pay a separate registration fee, usually a smaller percentage of the property value, capped at a maximum amount in most states.

You then book an appointment at the Sub-Registrar's office having jurisdiction over the property's location — this is usually done online through the state's registration portal. Both buyer and seller (or their authorised representatives with a valid power of attorney) need to be present, along with two witnesses, and carry original identity proof, PAN cards, passport-size photos, and the property documents. At the office, the deed is signed, biometrics are captured, and the registrar formally registers the document.

After registration, make sure to apply for mutation of the property in your name in the municipal or revenue records — this updates who is liable for property tax and is a separate step from registration itself, often missed by buyers. I'd recommend having a property lawyer handle the deed drafting and accompany you to registration, since even small errors in the deed description can cause problems years later.