The chancellor's apparent indecisiveness on the matter has come in for particular criticism from estate agents.
The government' indecision over stamp duty is costing the property market dearly, estate agents claimed today.
According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), 98 percent of professionals in the sector believe that the government's current stance on the duty has had a negative impact on the market. A total of 26 percent also believed that some sales had even fallen through for this reason.
The complaints stem from a recent BBC interview given by chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling, in which the minister apparently dropped a hint that the tax would soon be suspended. The move would have given a much-needed fillip to the housing market, by making home sales cheaper.
However, the government has still yet to confirm whether or not the suspension is going ahead - leading to confusion among homeowners.
Peter Bolton King, NAEA chief executive, said: "This just isn't good enough. The housing market is in a very serious position and we need serious action. The figures show that it is agents and consumers that are bearing the brunt of this indecision and whilst we need a planned and managed response from the government we also need it quickly!"
He added: "We have continually called on the government to hold a roundtable discussion to find real solutions to stamp duty…however, disappointingly we have had no feedback."
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