More than £4million has been collected from stamp duty in Buckinghamshire during the last year.

In December 2014, Ministers announced changes to stamp duty which means most people now pay less, but as more homes have been bought and sold in the strong housing market the amount collected was still higher.

In Buckinghamshire, the stamp duty collected over the year was £4.3million, up from £3.9million in 2013/14.

House builder Barratt Homes North Thames has welcomed the statistics as evidence of the strength of the housing market.

Gary Ennis, southern regional managing director of Barratt Homes, said: “While positive changes to stamp duty mean that across our region our customers are saving on average more than £3,000, the increase in the total amount collected by government indicates how strong the housing market is in Buckinghamshire.

“Thanks to the reduction of stamp duty costs, together with the Help to Buy scheme, the upfront costs of buying a new home are lower now than they have been for many years.

“This is helping make home ownership a much more affordable reality for many first time buyers throughout Buckinghamshire as well as providing a major boost for those looking to move up the ladder and into a bigger family home.”

Figures released by the government have revealed for the first time the amount of stamp duty collected in 2014/15 across the county.

Across the United Kingdom £10.7billion was collected over the year, a new record and up from £9.27bn in 2013/4.

For more information, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0844 8117171.