Five reasons to say ‘Thank you, Darling' this Budget Day

The National Association of Estate Agents today calls on the Government to pull the housing market out of its slump, help first time buyers and set the country on course for economic recovery.

In a submission delivered to Downing Street, the NAEA called on Chancellor Alastair Darling to follow its seven point recovery plan when he announces his budget on April 22.

In the budget submission, the NAEA calls on Mr Darling to:

Abolish or reform Stamp Duty Land Tax
Boost liquidity to free up lending
Improve access to finance for first time buyers
Suspend Home Information Packs
Help property owners and tenants to stay in their homes

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents, said: "The state of the housing market reflects the overall health of the economy. The Government must take urgent and immediate action to support it.

"The measures proposed today by the NAEA are achievable, they are practicable and they will help to boost confidence in the market amongst consumers.

"These measures give specific support to the thousands of people who aspire to buy their first house but who are frustrated by the lack of lending currently hampering the housing market.

"If the Chancellor takes heed, then homeowners and house hunters across the country will have five reasons to say ‘Thank-you, Darling'."