Cooperative Housing Societies Reforms Protect Members’ Ownership

CHANDIGARH, 13th January 2026: In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening property rights and easing long-pending legal uncertainties, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has introduced major citizen-centric reforms to benefit residents living in Cooperative Housing Societies. Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, who also holds the Cooperation Department portfolio, the Government has approved a comprehensive framework to make registration of cooperative housing properties affordable, secure, and legally robust, while ensuring legitimate recovery of stamp duty for the State.

Sharing details of the decision, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the Punjab Government has taken far-reaching steps to formalise property transactions in cooperative housing societies, many of which have remained unregistered for decades. “The Chief Minister has approved reforms that ensure citizens can formally register property transactions in cooperative housing societies, secure them legally, afford them financially, and protect the State’s revenue interests,” the statement said.

Punjab Eases Stamp Duty for Housing Society Members and Heirs

The Chief Minister’s office explained the key provisions.The CMO stated that Cooperative Housing Societies completely exempt instruments of original allotment executed in favor of their original members from stamp duty. “We will permit such registrations at face value. Individuals only need to pay a nominal registration fee,” the CMO said. They added that the government has also extended the same exemption to legal heirs, spouses, and eligible family members, as defined and notified by the Department of Revenue to ensure full protection for genuine successor cases.

To further enable thousands of families to secure clear legal title to their homes, the Government has introduced highly concessional, time-bound stamp duty rates for non-original allottees and transferees, notified on January 12, 2026.The government fixed stamp duty at 1 percent for registrations completed by January 31, 2026, and at 2 percent for registrations completed by February 28, 2026. Finally, it is 3 percent for registrations up to March 31, 2026. After this period, normal stamp duty rates will apply,” the CMO said.

CMO: Cooperative Housing Reforms Protect Members’ Ownership

The CMO further noted that the Punjab Government has also placed a clear statutory cap on transfer fees. These fees may be charged by Cooperative Housing Societies. “This measure ensures fairness for members. “The CMO said that officials do not impose arbitrary or excessive demands during transfer or registration.” The CMO explained that these reforms were necessary because many properties in cooperative housing societies had remained unregistered for years. This situation left families without clear legal ownership and exposed them to disputes and litigation.

Noting up the impact of the initiative, the CMO said that the reforms ensure legally secure ownership for citizens, lawful recovery of stamp duty for the State, encouragement of registration through incentives rather than coercion, and protection of members from unreasonable transfer charges by societies. The Department of Cooperation has already issued detailed directions to Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Registrars across Punjab to ensure smooth and uniform implementation of these measures.

The CMO appealed to residents. He said that the Chief Minister has urged all eligible residents of cooperative housing societies to avail of this limited-period opportunity. Residents should get their conveyance deeds registered. This will help secure their property rights. “This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting the common citizen while ensuring lawful, transparent, and orderly property transactions across Punjab,” the CMO added.