Ahipp calls for wider property market boost

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) has called for the government to introduce a wide range of measures to help boost the UK property market.

Ahipp director general Mike Ockenden called on the government to stop "dithering" on the question of stamp duty to avoid a situation where people delay purchases while awaiting news of possible money-saving incentives.

In addition to introducing a stamp duty holiday, Mr Ockenden also said "incentives to mortgage lenders and support for developers" would help kick-start the market.

He added that more should be done to bring empty homes back into use, with the possibility that this could help solve shortages of housing for key workers in cities.

Housing minister Caroline Flint confirmed on the BBC's Newsnight programme last week that stamp duty is one of the possible areas the government is considering changes.

However, she insisted that ministers would not be pressured into any early announcements.