STAMP duty paid by southern homebuyers is three times higher than that paid by northerners, according to a survey.

A growing north-south divide is revealed in an analysis of government data which shows the average bill rose by more than 30 per cent last year from £4,801 to £6,280, or a quarter of average annual salary.

By contrast, in the north, stamp duty rose by 21 per cent to £1,994, or 10 per cent of average salary.

Online mortgage company inform.co.uk says most people are adding the cost of stamp duty to their mortgage. Its research reveals that of those people who have paid stamp duty over the past three years, 28 per cent increased their mortgages by on average £3,771 to help pay for it.

Francis Ghiloni, mform.co.uk marketing and business development director, said: "Stamp duty adds significantly to the cost of moving home and the housing market boom has meant more and more people paying stamp duty.

"Our analysis there is a massive 'north-south divide' with average homebuyers in the south paying three times more than their counterparts in the north of the country.

"However, no matter where you are buying stamp duty has a major effect on your finances and it is no surprise many people are adding the cost of stamp duty to their mortgage.

"Many homebuyers will probably take what seems like the easy option without thinking through the long-term costs."