PBR: Darling extends homeowner support but not Stamp Duty break

The Chancellor said over 220,000 people have been helped so far by the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme, which provides better cover for mortgage interest payments for people who have lost their jobs. This will now be extended for a further six months. However, Darling has not extended the Stamp Duty holiday. Properties under £175,000 are currently exempt from the tax but the threshold is due to return to the original £125,000 limit next year. He expects the holiday will have helped 240,000 homebuyers.