MPs say stamp duty reform is needed to help first-time buyers afford homes in England, citing worsening affordability pressures. The proposal comes after a committee highlights that rising house prices combined with slow wage growth has made it harder for people to get onto the property ladder. The committee’s assessment links the deterioration in home ownership affordability to the gap between housing costs and earnings, arguing that existing stamp duty arrangements can add to upfront costs for first-time buyers. Reporting across outlets indicates the issue is being examined through parliamentary work on housing affordability, with MPs seeking policy changes intended to reduce financial barriers at the point of purchase. While the coverage does not specify detailed reform measures, the central theme is that stamp duty should be reconsidered as part of a broader response to affordability challenges. The call is framed as a way to support potential buyers who face both high prices and limited increases in wages.