THE amount paid out in Stamp Duty by people in Greater Manchester has increased by as much as 100 per cent compared to eight years ago, according to latest research.

Business and financial advisers, Grant Thornton, say that a couple who buy a flat in Manchester today for £134,959 will face a charge of £1,349.59 in Stamp Duty.

In 1997, the same flat would have been worth £51,316 and would not have been liable for duty.

The average house price paid by those new to the property ladder is now £130,000 some £70,000 above the threshold for Stamp Duty. The duty starts at one per cent for houses valued from £60,001 to £250,000.

Karen Campbell, tax partner at Grant Thornton, said: "With average house prices in all UK counties now over £100,000, it is virtually impossible to escape paying Stamp Duty."