Full Cost Breakdown of Buying Property in Nepal: Hidden Fees Most Buyers Miss (2026 Guide)
When buying property in Nepal, the listed price is rarely the final amount you pay. In most cases, the total cost increases by 10% to 25% once taxes, commissions, and legal expenses are included.
Whether you’re buying in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, or other regions, understanding the full cost structure helps you avoid unexpected financial pressure.
1. Registration Cost (Malpot): 4%–6%
The registration fee is the largest official expense paid at the Land Revenue Office.
For a NPR 1 crore property:
Base rate (municipal areas): 4%–4.5%
With additional charges: NPR 4–6 lakhs total
Key points:
Rural areas may have lower rates (~2%)
Up to 25% discount if registered under a woman’s name
Apartments generally have lower registration rates
2. Capital Gains Tax: 5%–10%
Although this tax is officially the seller’s responsibility, it is often included in the final deal price.
Individual seller: ~5%
Business/entity: up to ~10%
Buyers usually bear part of this cost indirectly.
3. Agent Commission: 1%–3%
Most transactions involve brokers.
Standard: 1%–2%
Some markets: up to 3%
On a NPR 1 crore deal: NPR 1–3 lakhs
4. Legal Verification: NPR 10,000–50,000
A proper check includes:
Ownership history
Loan/mortgage status
Land classification
This step helps avoid major legal risks. Many buyers prefer using verified property listings in Nepal to ensure basic checks are already completed.
5. Local & Municipality Charges
Additional small costs include:
Ward office fees
Documentation charges
Estimated: NPR 5,000–30,000
6. Infrastructure Impact
Property value and your total investment is affected by:
Road access
Utilities (water, electricity)
Better infrastructure can increase value by 20% or more, especially in urban areas.
7. Loan Cost (If Applicable)
If financed:
Interest rate: 10%–14% annually
Processing fee: ~0.5%–1%
8. Risk Factor
The biggest hidden cost is risk.
Common issues:
Ownership disputes
Incomplete documentation
Platforms like Punarvaasu Nepal help reduce this risk by offering verified listings and clearer property information.
Example: Total Cost (NPR 1 Crore Property)
Cost ComponentApprox AmountProperty PriceNPR 1,00,00,000Registration4–6 lakhsCapital Gains~5 lakhsAgent Commission1–3 lakhsLegal & Misc20k–50k
Estimated Total: NPR 1.12 Cr – 1.20 Cr
Final Insight
Most buyers focus only on price. Smart buyers calculate the full cost, including taxes, fees, and risks, before making a decision.
