The Conservatives have accused the government of taxing first time homeowners by stealth.

The claim comes in the wake of an NOP poll for the Halifax, which finds that eight in 10 voters believe stamp duty is unfair on those seeking to buy their first home.

House prices inflation has pushed stamp duty to record levels - with an estimated £4,300 million set to flow into Treasury account in the current tax year.

The average first-time buyer in the UK now pays £131,024 to buy their home, compared to £45,249 in 1993.

As a result they face a £1,310 stamp duty bill - comparied to 1993 wheb they paid no stamp duty because the average price was well below the £60,000 threshold.

The shadow local government secretary said the tax was putting the breaks on the first time homebuyers market.

"Stamp duty is a classic Labour stealth tax. Since coming to power they have failed to raise the threshold of £60,000, despite massive increases in house prices," said Caroline Spelman.

"Under Mr Blair the average first time buyer in the UK is now paying £1,170 in stamp duty – whereas in 1997, on average they paid no stamp duty."

The survey also found that 70 per cent of voters believe the government should adjust the stamp duty thresholds to bring them into line with the increase in house prices.

“Under Mr Blair, stamp duty has hit more and more people; helping to kick a whole generation off the housing ladder," added Spelman.

"There will be a clear choice at the next election: more waste and higher taxes under Mr Blair, or value for money and lower taxes with Conservatives."