Potential first-time buyer wants stamp duty cuts to be matched in Scotland

Will Fletcher, 27, moved to Edinburgh from Aberdeen three years ago and now works in customer and business support for capital-based property firm ESPC.

He rents a flat in Leith and is hoping the Scottish Government will match the abolition of stamp duty for first-time buyers on properties worth up to £300,000 south of the Border.

He said: “I think it was a very positive Budget for first-time buyers and as someone who is looking to move on from the rental market onto the property ladder, the reduction in stamp duty is very welcome.

“It isn’t much fun when you hear about previous generations being able to afford to buy a house on nearly minimum wage. I don’t think that is even remotely possible now.

“I think the abolition of stamp duty might inspire a few more first-time buyers to make that leap from either living at home or renting to actually owning a home of their own.

“It maybe makes getting on the property ladder a bit more in reach, but it always comes down to the money we have to raise to fund a deposit. That is always the killer.”

Mr Fletcher added: “Obviously trying to buy a house in Edinburgh, much like in London, it is a bit of a bubble really.

“So if they were to build new homes in a commutable distance from the city, that would be something that would be attractive to first-time buyers.

“They are talking about 300,000 new homes being built.

“If it’s all down south, then we won’t feel the benefit.”