Stamp duty dithering hits home sales

However, housing minister Caroline Flint has dismissed the calls for immediate action and claims a lack of credit is the major factor affecting house sales. Last week, the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, hinted at a possible stamp duty holiday as part of a range of measures to revive the housing market. But the NAEA says a lack of clarity has caused many potential buyers to hold off until the Government makes its position clear. A poll of its members revealed 24% had seen sales fall through as a result of the stamp duty rumours, as buyers wait to see if they could save thousands through...