India, Aug. 4 -- Starting August 4, homebuyers and property investors in Gurugram will have to pay significantly higher stamp duty and registration charges. The Haryana government has decided to raise circle rates by 10% to 30% across key residential, commercial, and agricultural zones.

Ashutosh Ragav, a prospective homebuyer, said the hike has upended his plans. "I was eyeing a builder's floor in Sector-51 with a budget of Rs.4 crore, but the increased stamp duty has stretched my finances. With rates rising up to 30% in just eight months, buying property in Gurugram is becoming increasingly difficult."

Puneet Arora, another buyer, echoed similar concerns. "For years, market prices rose while circle rates remained relatively stable, off...